The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to dismiss a suit filed by the Labour Party (LP) challenging its exclusion from a refresher training for the Ondo State governorship election. INEC claims that the LP’s national chairman, Julius Abure, and his executive committee’s tenure expired in June 2024.
INEC states that it did not recognize the LP’s national convention in March 2024, where Abure claimed to have been re-elected, as it violated the Nigerian Constitution, Electoral Act 2022, and INEC’s regulations. The commission only deals with valid national chairmen and secretaries of political parties, and as of August 16, 2024, the LP had no valid leadership.
INEC’s legal team argues that the LP’s suit seeks declaratory reliefs that cannot be granted without a valid case. The LP must succeed on its own merits, despite any admissions. INEC claims that the LP failed to comply with legal frameworks in conducting its national convention and therefore lacks a valid leadership that INEC can engage with.
The commission urges the court to dismiss the suit, stating that the LP is not entitled to the reliefs sought. INEC’s disclaimer of Abure’s leadership affirms the National Caretaker Committee’s claim, leaving the LP without a valid leadership. The court’s decision will determine the LP’s participation in the Ondo State governorship election.
