By-elections: Abure-led Labour Party Not Qualified to Field Candidates, INEC Tells Court, Insists His Tenure Has Elapsed

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) informed the Federal High Court in Abuja that the Julius Abure-led faction of the Labour Party (LP) is not qualified to field candidates in the upcoming by-elections, as Abure's tenure as national chairman has expired. INEC also stated that a recent Supreme Court judgment has created a vacuum in the leadership of the LP.

The commission argued that Abure's faction did not follow the necessary procedures in conducting a valid national convention and primary elections. INEC emphasized that the faction led by Senator Nenadi Usman is behind the propaganda and misinformation regarding the LP's leadership.

The court dismissed a suit filed by Abure's faction, stating that they lacked jurisdiction to entertain the case. The LP faction led by Nenadi Usman dismissed claims of Abure's derecognition as national chairman, alleging misinterpretation of court decisions and asserting their competence to nominate candidates.