The Federal High Court in Abuja has directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to officially acknowledge Chief Olusola Nehemiah and Ezekiel Awude as the Labour Party’s (LP) candidates for the upcoming governorship election in Ondo State.
The court’s decision ensures that Nehemiah and Awude are granted all necessary recognition, rights, and privileges as candidates leading up to the gubernatorial election scheduled for November 16.
Justice Emeka Nwite delivered this order on Friday while adjudicating a joint suit filed against INEC and other parties by the Labour Party, along with Nehemiah and Awude.
In his ruling concerning case number FHC/ABJ/CS/1105/2024, Justice Nwite affirmed the legitimacy of the Labour Party’s second primary election, which resulted in the nomination of Nehemiah and Awude, stating that INEC is obliged to uphold this decision.
The judge highlighted that Nehemiah had deposited N20 million into the United Bank for Africa (UBA) account of the Labour Party for his nomination form, confirming that he was rightfully issued a form that facilitated the second primary election.
Additionally, Justice Nwite noted that the Labour Party had instructed Nehemiah to pay N5 million to Olorunfemi Ayodele Festus as reimbursement for his withdrawal from the gubernatorial race, further substantiating the validity of the primary election process.
The judge criticized the Labour Party leaders, under Julius Abure, for attempting to disavow the recent primary election that produced Nehemiah and Awude, stating they had fulfilled all necessary conditions.
Consequently, Justice Nwite ordered INEC to accept the nominations of Nehemiah and Awude and ensure their names are published as the official candidates of the Labour Party for the Ondo State governorship election on November 16.
