ABUJA: A High Court in Nasarawa State has directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise Barrister Julius Abure and Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim as the authentic National Chairman and National Secretary of the Labour Party , respectively.
The ruling, delivered on July 23, 2025, by Hon. Justice Mustapha A. Ramat in Suit No. NSD/LF.84/2024, also ordered INEC to grant the duo exclusive access codes to upload the party’s nominated candidates for the August 16, 2025, bye-election and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) council polls scheduled for early 2026.
Despite the court’s decision, the Labour Party says INEC has yet to publish the names of its candidates for both elections. The interlocutory orders granted by the court include:
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Exclusive recognition of officers elected at the March 27, 2024 convention in Nnewi, Anambra State, specifically Abure and Farouk, pending determination of the substantive suit.
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Restriction on INEC from recognising any other persons claiming to be party officers outside the said convention.
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Granting of access codes to upload names and particulars of candidates for the bye-elections and FCT council polls.
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Accelerated hearing of the suit.
The case was adjourned to September 22, 2025, for hearing of the substantive matter.
National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, Obiora Ifoh, described the ruling as a welcome development” that would correct the many wrongs meted to the authentic leadership of the party.
“We are hopeful that INEC, as a law-abiding institution, will comply promptly by publishing the names of our nominees,Ifoh said.
He criticised what he called systemic delays that have hampered the party’s campaign efforts. “Our candidates have been denied equal opportunity and adequate time to campaign.
This appears to be a recurring pattern, as seen in Ondo State when our governorship candidate received access codes barely 24 hours before election day.
Ifoh urged members and supporters to remain resolute. Labour Party is a household name, and we expect nothing short of victory.
We call on members in affected states to demonstrate their resilience and ‘never die spirit’ in returning our candidates to office.
