The Julius Abure-led faction of the Labour Party (LP) has issued a stern warning to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), urging the commission not to exclude the party’s logo and candidates from the upcoming August 16 by-elections.
In a statement released on Tuesday in Abuja, the faction’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, cautioned that any attempt by INEC to omit the party’s participation would be met with legal action.
“In accordance with the Electoral Act 2022, any political party excluded from an election has the right to seek redress in court,” Ifoh stated.
He stressed that the Labour Party would not hesitate to pursue the nullification of the election results if its candidates were excluded.
Ifoh also referenced the April 4 Supreme Court judgment, which ruled that leadership disputes within political parties are internal matters, effectively affirming the legitimacy of the Abure-led faction.
He added that the party’s national convention, held on March 27, 2024 in Nnewi, confirmed Barrister Julius Abure as national chairman.
The faction called on Nigerians and stakeholders to pressure INEC to abide by constitutional and legal obligations in the electoral process.
“INEC must respect both the judgment of the Supreme Court and the will of the party’s internal processes,” Ifoh emphasized.
