By Rafiyat Sadiq
The Julius Abure-led Labour Party has warned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against conducting the August 16, 2025 bye-elections without including its candidates on the ballot.
The party said excluding its candidates would amount to a violation of the Electoral Act 2022 and could lead to the cancellation of the polls.
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, the LP demanded that INEC ensure the party’s logo appears on the ballot, warning that it would seek legal redress if excluded.
READ ALSO: INEC Fixes Aug 16 for Bye-Elections, Reopens Voter Register
Ifoh accused INEC of disregarding the Supreme Court’s April 4, 2025 ruling, which affirmed that party leadership matters are internal affairs. He said the party’s March 27, 2024, convention in Nnewi produced Abure as national chairman and urged the commission to respect this decision.
The LP also called on Nigerians to prevail on INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu to uphold the constitution and the electoral law.
Ifoh warned that proceeding without LP candidates would waste public funds and risk throwing the country into political crisis.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
