Tensions flared in Abuja as supporters of the Labour Party (LP) gathered outside the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters, demanding access codes to upload their candidates’ names for the upcoming February 21, 2026, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council election.
The protest highlighted frustrations over the Commission’s refusal to allow the party to participate fully in the electoral process.
INEC Cites Leadership Disputes as the Main Issue
Speaking through its Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Mrs. Victoria Ewa-Messi, INEC explained that the party’s ongoing internal leadership crisis is at the heart of the matter.
This prolonged dispute has already triggered multiple court cases, leaving the Commission in a position where it cannot unilaterally approve candidate submissions.
Court Battles Complicate Access Requests
The Labour Party’s leadership saga has had significant legal ramifications.
INEC recalled a Supreme Court ruling on April 4, 2025, which declared that the tenure of the Julius Abure-led National Executive Committee had expired.
Despite this, the Abure faction reportedly went ahead to conduct primaries for the August 16, 2025, bye-election and the upcoming FCT Area Council elections, actions INEC described as outside the bounds of legal authority.
Expired Court Orders Prevent INEC from Acting
Attempts by the Labour Party to secure court directives compelling INEC to issue access codes have been met with mixed results.
While a High Court in Abuja did grant an interim ex parte order on December 16, 2025, directing the Commission to upload Labour Party candidates, this order automatically expired seven days later on December 23, 2025, and was not renewed.
INEC stressed that without a valid, current court order, it cannot take action.
INEC Stresses Commitment to Judicial Process
The Commission concluded by reaffirming its respect for the judicial process, indicating that it will await final court decisions before making any moves regarding the Labour Party’s participation.
INEC emphasized that the protest, while understandable, was unnecessary given that the matter is already sub judice.
Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn