By Omoniyi David
The Labour Party (LP), has threatened legal action against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), over the exclusion of its candidates from the August 16 by-election in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).
In an open letter titled “Re: Exclusion of Labour Party Candidates from August 16 Bye-Elections”, addressed to INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the party described the move as “unlawful and an abuse of power.”
The letter was signed by Mr. Enu Kikanwa Timipre, LP’s Legal Adviser in Bayelsa State.
“The commission’s role is to ensure compliance with the Electoral Act, not to dictate which parties can field candidates,” Timipre said, expressing shock over INEC’s decision, which he said was taken “without prior notice or explanation.”
The party accused INEC of misinterpreting a Supreme Court judgment and interfering in its internal affairs.
“We believe INEC’s actions are essentially an attempt to impose an illegal interpretation of the Supreme Court’s judgment.
“The court’s ruling did not empower INEC to meddle in the Labour Party’s internal affairs,” he noted.
The LP demanded the immediate reinstatement of its candidates or a valid explanation for their exclusion, warning of legal consequences if the electoral body fails to act.
“If INEC fails to reverse its decision, it would not only undermine the electoral process but also imply that we should resort to other measures.
However, as law-abiding citizens, we will explore legal avenues to ensure our candidates are rightfully on the ballot,” Timipre added.
