Labour Party Sues INEC Over Exclusion From Enugu North By-Election

The Labour Party has approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, challenging its alleged exclusion from the forthcoming Enugu North Senatorial District by-election scheduled for June 20.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ken Asogwa, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja.

According to him, the Labour Party is contesting INEC’s decision after it was allegedly denied access to upload its candidate’s details on the commission’s nomination portal, despite complying with all statutory requirements.

The Enugu North senatorial seat became vacant following the death of Senator Okey Ezea on November 18, 2025.

Asogwa said the party made several attempts to resolve the issue, including formal protests and correspondences to INEC before the close of the submission window on June 2, but received no positive response.

He argued that the party fully complied with the Electoral Act and all INEC guidelines in conducting its primary election and nominating its candidate.

“It is both disturbing and deeply concerning that the head of Elections and Party Monitoring (EPM) in Enugu State reportedly justified his refusal to transmit the report of the Labour Party’s primary election on the ground that he was out of town on the day the exercise was conducted,” he said.

Asogwa described the explanation as “untenable,” insisting that electoral duties cannot be abandoned due to personal circumstances of officials.

He maintained that INEC’s physical presence is not a legal requirement for the validity of a party primary, arguing that the absence or negligence of an official should not invalidate a party’s process.

The Labour Party urged INEC to investigate the conduct of its officials in Enugu State and take disciplinary action where necessary, while expressing confidence in the judiciary to ensure justice.

The party also called on its supporters to remain calm as the matter is being determined by the court.