Ex-Labour Party Candidates Urge INEC To Obey Court Verdict

Former Labour Party candidates, under the aegis of Labour Party Candidates Forum (LPCF), have called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to comply with judicial rulings on the leadership of the party.

At a press conference in Abuja, the forum’s chairman and 2023 Kogi State governorship candidate, Barr. Okeme Adejoh, urged INEC to respect the decisions of the Supreme Court and the Federal High Court, which, according to him, declared that Mr Julius Abure’s tenure as national chairman had expired.

Adejoh said the Supreme Court judgment of April 4, 2025 and the Federal High Court verdict of August 15, 2025, held that Abure’s tenure had lapsed.

He, however, expressed concern that INEC and Abure “continue to act in contempt of the courts.”

He noted that court judgments “are meant to be obeyed by all parties involved,” adding that disobedience to such rulings undermines the nation’s justice system.

The forum also expressed disapproval of Abure’s participation in INEC’s quarterly meeting with political parties, saying it contradicts existing court decisions.

Adejoh said the forum would continue to advocate for compliance through lawful and peaceful means.

He urged INEC to update its records to reflect the Labour Party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) decision, recognising Senator Nenadi Usman as interim national chairman and Senator Darlington Nwokocha as national secretary.

In his remarks, the 2023 Ebonyi State governorship candidate and decretary of the LPCF, Comrade Splendour Oko Eze, said the Supreme Court’s decision on Abure’s tenure remains final and binding, calling for full compliance.

He appealed to the newly confirmed INEC chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan, noting that as a lawyer, he should ensure adherence to the court’s ruling already communicated to the commission.

“Nigeria can only progress when the laws of the land are obeyed,” Eze added.

Also speaking, the immediate past national Youth Leader of the Labour Party, Comrade Eragbe Anslem, said the Supreme Court judgment of April 4, 2025, dismissed earlier lower court rulings that recognised Abure as chairman.

He maintained that the apex court’s ruling is final and should be respected.

The forum reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law and internal democracy, pledging to continue promoting the integrity of the party and adherence to judicial pronouncements.