The Federal High Court in Abuja has directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize Chief Olusola Nehemiah and Ezekiel Awude as the governorship and deputy governorship candidates of the Labour Party (LP) for the upcoming Ondo State gubernatorial election on November 16, 2024.
Justice Emeka Nwite, delivering the judgment on Friday, ruled that the second Labour Party primary election that produced Nehemiah and Awude was valid and must be upheld by INEC. The court emphasized that the Labour Party candidates must be granted full recognition, rights, and privileges as the rightful candidates for the Ondo gubernatorial race.
In case number FHC/ABJ/CS/1105/2024, Justice Nwite highlighted evidence showing that Nehemiah paid N20 million to the Labour Party’s UBA account for his nomination form, which led to the conduct of the second primary election. He also noted that Nehemiah paid an additional N5 million to one Olorunfemi Ayodele Festus for expenses upon the latter’s withdrawal from the race.
Justice Nwite further ruled that it was unlawful for the Julius Abure-led Labour Party leadership to disown the fresh primary election that produced Nehemiah and Awude, despite their compliance with all procedural requirements. As a result, the court ordered INEC to publish their names as the lawful candidates of the Labour Party for the November 16 Ondo State governorship election.
The ruling is expected to have significant implications for the Ondo gubernatorial race, as it solidifies the Labour Party’s position ahead of the polls.
