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The Federal High Court in Abuja has directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize Chief Olusola Nehemiah and Ezekiel Awude as the Labour Party’s governorship and deputy governorship candidates for the upcoming Ondo State election.
The court ruling ensures that both candidates will be accorded full recognition, rights, and privileges as contenders for the November 16, 2024, gubernatorial poll.
Justice Emeka Nwite, delivering the judgment in Abuja on Friday, ruled that the second Labour Party primary election, which produced Nehemiah and Awude, was valid and must be upheld by INEC.
The judgment was given in a suit filed by the Labour Party, Nehemiah, and Awude, challenging the electoral body’s previous stance.
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In the case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1105/2024, Justice Nwite emphasized that Nehemiah had met all required conditions, including paying N20 million to the Labour Party for his nomination form.
Additionally, Nehemiah was ordered to pay N5 million to Olorunfemi Ayodele Festus, a former candidate who withdrew from the race, further confirming the legitimacy of the second primary.
The court found it improper for the Labour Party leadership, led by Julius Abure, to disown the results of the fresh primary, noting that all necessary procedures were followed.
As a result, Justice Nwite ordered INEC to recognize Nehemiah and Awude as the Labour Party’s lawful candidates and to publish their names ahead of the Ondo governorship election in November.