The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has invalidated the list of candidates submitted by the Julius Abure-led faction of the Labour Party (LP), ahead of the August 16, 2025, by-elections and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) council polls. INEC also disqualified all candidates submitted by the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
This decision signals a significant shift in the party’s internal power struggle, effectively derecognizing the Abure faction. INEC’s published final list of approved candidates omitted every name presented by Abure’s camp and the SDP, citing legal noncompliance and internal irregularities.
INEC’s stance was praised by the Senator Nenadi Usman-led faction, which described the decision as consistent with the April 4, 2025 Supreme Court judgment affirming Usman’s leadership. According to her media aide, Ken Asogwa, the Commission is finally aligning with legal directives and should formally recognize Usman as Labour Party’s legitimate national chairperson.
In contrast, Abure’s group slammed INEC’s move as unconstitutional. Speaking to THISDAY, faction spokesperson Obiora Ifoh argued that the Commission lacked the legal power to interfere in internal party affairs or reject candidates without court authorization. He emphasized that the Supreme Court had not ruled against Abure’s leadership but rather urged internal resolution mechanisms for party disputes.
Despite these claims, INEC has consistently maintained that Abure’s tenure ended in June 2023. The Commission further noted that none of Abure’s primary elections were monitored—a mandatory step for validating candidate nominations under Nigerian electoral law.
Former LP treasurer Oluchi Opara added that the Supreme Court ruling indirectly confirmed that Abure and his National Working Committee (NWC) no longer have the legal mandate to act on behalf of the party. She applauded INEC for defending electoral credibility and urged Abure to step back and respect institutional rulings.
With the party now reorganized under Senator Usman’s leadership, INEC’s enforcement appears aimed at protecting the rule of law and democratic integrity ahead of critical elections.
