Court Orders INEC to Recognise Labour Party Governorship Candidates in Ondo

The Federal High Court in Abuja has directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise Chief Olusola Nehemiah and Ezekiel Awude as the Labour Party’s governorship and deputy governorship candidates for the forthcoming Ondo State gubernatorial election, scheduled for November 16, 2024.

Justice Emeka Nwite issued the ruling on Friday, affirming that Nehemiah and Awude must be accorded full recognition, rights, and privileges as the legitimate candidates of the Labour Party in the Ondo State governorship race.

The judgement was delivered in response to a suit filed by the Labour Party, Nehemiah, and Awude, challenging INEC’s failure to acknowledge the candidates produced from a second primary election held by the party.

The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1105/2024, named INEC and others as respondents.

In his ruling, Justice Nwite upheld the validity of the second Labour Party primary, which resulted in the emergence of Nehemiah and Awude.

He stated that the evidence presented in court showed that Nehemiah had paid the required N20 million into the United Bank for Africa (UBA) account of the Labour Party for the nomination form and had duly participated in the primary process.

Further evidence also indicated that Nehemiah had been directed by the Labour Party to pay N5 million to Olorunfemi Ayodele Festus as compensation following Festus’ withdrawal from the governorship race, with the transaction taking place through Festus’ account at Guaranty Trust Bank.

Justice Nwite described it as improper and illegal for the leadership of the Labour Party, led by Julius Abure, to disown the fresh primary election that produced Nehemiah and Awude, especially since all necessary procedures had been followed.

Consequently, the court ordered INEC to accept the nomination of Nehemiah and Awude and to publish their names as the Labour Party’s official candidates for the November 16 Ondo State governorship election.