Labour Party Sues INEC Over Candidate Exclusion in Enugu

The Labour Party has approached the Federal High Court in Abuja to challenge the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the exclusion of its candidate for the Enugu North senatorial by-election, set for June 20, 2026. This vacancy arose after the death of Senator Okei Ezea on November 18, 2025.

The Labour Party formally notified INEC on May 11, 2026, of its intent to conduct a senatorial primary election on May 25, 2026, where Simon Ejik Ez emerged as the consensus candidate. Despite fulfilling statutory requirements, the Labour Party claims it was denied access to upload its candidate's details in INEC's nomination portal until the submission window closed on June 2, 2026.

The party made several efforts, including formal protests, to resolve the issue but received no positive response. Ken Eluma Asogwa, the National Public Secretary of the Labour Party, stated that the party complied with all legal obligations and expressed deep concern over INEC's actions, which they believe undermine the electoral process and the party's rights.