In a significant legal ruling, the Federal High Court in Abuja has mandated the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to accept and recognize Chief Olusola Nehemiah and Ezekiel Awude as the official governorship and deputy governorship candidates of the Labour Party (LP) for the upcoming Ondo State gubernatorial election.
The court’s decision ensures that both Nehemiah and Awude will be accorded all rights, privileges, and recognition as the legitimate candidates representing the Labour Party in the Ondo State governorship race scheduled for November 16, 2024.
This ruling comes as a relief for the Labour Party, which has faced internal challenges regarding candidate selection for the critical gubernatorial race. The party had experienced legal battles and disputes over the nomination of candidates, creating uncertainties about its representation in the upcoming election. With the court’s decision, INEC is now obligated to include the names of Nehemiah and Awude on the ballot, officially acknowledging their candidacy.
The court’s order also highlights the importance of adherence to the legal framework guiding electoral processes in Nigeria. By upholding the candidacies of Nehemiah and Awude, the judiciary has reaffirmed its role in ensuring that political parties and electoral bodies follow due process when it comes to candidate selection and recognition.
This ruling is likely to have a significant impact on the Labour Party’s campaign strategy in Ondo State, as it now prepares to move forward with its officially recognized candidates. It also underscores the influence of judicial decisions in shaping the landscape of Nigerian elections, particularly at a time when the nation is grappling with calls for greater transparency and fairness in the electoral process.
As the November 16 election approaches, all eyes will be on how the Labour Party and its newly recognized candidates navigate the political climate in Ondo State.
