Court orders INEC to accept Labour Party candidates for Ondo governorship election

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to accept and recognize Chief Olusola Nehemiah and Ezekiel Awude as the governorship and deputy governorship candidates of the Labour Party (LP) for the Ondo State gubernatorial election.

Justice Emeka Nwite issued the order while delivering judgment in a joint suit instituted against INEC and others by the duo.

Justice Nwite held that the second primary election held by Labour Party and which produced Nehemiah and Awude was valid and must be upheld by INEC.

Justice Nwite said that there was evidence that Mister Nehemiah ordered and paid the sum of Twenty million Naira for nomination form and was duly issued a form that led to conduct of the second primary election.

The Judge also held that there was evidence that Labour Party ordered Mister Nehemiah to pay the sum of Five Million Naira to one Olorunfemi Ayodele Festus into his account number 0023807463 at the Guarrant Trust Bank as expenses upon his withdrawal from the Governorship race.

Justice Nwite said it was wrong and illegal for the Julius Abure-led Labour Party leaders to disown the fresh primary election that produced Nehemiah and Awude having met all conditions precedent.

Justice Nwite therefore ordered INEC to accept the nomination of Nehemiah and Awude and publish their names as lawful candidates of the Labour Party for the Ondo state Governorship election slated for November 16.