On Friday, the Federal High Court in Abuja, led by Justice Emeka Nwite, directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize Chief Olusola Nehemiah as the Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate for Ondo State.
This ruling came after Nehemiah and his running mate, Ezekiel Awude, filed a lawsuit to secure their candidacy in the upcoming November 16 governorship election in Ondo State.
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The court ordered INEC to grant Nehemiah and Awude full recognition, including all rights and privileges, as the official LP candidates for the election. Justice Nwite affirmed that the second primary election, which resulted in the selection of Nehemiah and Awude, was valid and must be accepted by the electoral commission.
The judge highlighted that evidence presented in court showed Nehemiah had paid N20 million into the Labour Party’s account at United Bank for Africa (UBA) for the purchase of a nomination form. He had been duly issued the form, confirming his participation in the primary election.
Justice Nwite criticized the national leadership of the Labour Party for rejecting the results of the validly conducted primary election, stating that Nehemiah and Awude had fulfilled all the requirements necessary for the exercise.
