Court Orders INEC to Recognize Labour Party Candidates for Ondo Gubernatorial Election

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled in favor of the Labour Party, ordering the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize Chief Olusola Nehemiah and Ezekiel Awude as the party’s governorship and deputy governorship candidates for the Ondo State election.

Justice Emeka Nwite delivered the judgment on Friday, stating that the second primary election that produced Nehemiah and Awude was valid and should be upheld by INEC. The court also found that Nehemiah had paid the required N20 million nomination fee and was issued a form that led to the conduct of the second primary election.

Additionally, the court held that the Labour Party had ordered Nehemiah to pay N5 million to Olorunfemi Ayodele Festus as expenses upon his withdrawal from the gubernatorial race. Justice Nwite deemed it wrong and illegal for the Julius Abure-led Labour Party leaders to disown the fresh primary election, having met all conditions precedent.

As a result, INEC has been ordered to accept Nehemiah and Awude’s nomination and publish their names as the lawful candidates of the Labour Party for the Ondo State governorship election scheduled for November 16.

This development comes amidst other election-related news, including INEC’s plan to issue certificates of return to the Edo State Governor-elect, Monday Okpebholo, and his deputy.