Labour Party Sues INEC Over Exclusion from Enugu By-Election

The Labour Party has filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja challenging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over its exclusion from the upcoming Enugu North Senatorial District by-election scheduled for June 20, 2026.

 

The seat became vacant following the death of Senator Okey Ezea on November 18, 2025.

 

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Ken Asogwa, the party said it had notified INEC on May 11, 2026, of its intention to conduct a primary election in line with electoral guidelines. The primary, held on May 25, 2026, produced Ambassador Simon Ejike Eze as its candidate.

 

The party alleged that despite complying with all requirements, it was denied access to INEC’s nomination portal to upload its candidate’s details.

 

It further claimed that repeated efforts to resolve the issue before the submission deadline of June 2, 2026, were unsuccessful.

 

According to the Labour Party, officials of INEC in Enugu State also failed to transmit the primary election report, citing the absence of a designated officer on the day of the exercise.

 

The party maintained that it had met all legal obligations under the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines, insisting that its exclusion was unjust and amounted to an administrative failure.

 

While expressing confidence in INEC’s leadership, the party called for an investigation into the conduct of its Enugu State officials and urged that appropriate sanctions be applied where necessary.

 

The Labour Party also urged its supporters to remain calm, expressing confidence that the judiciary would resolve the matter in line with the law.