Labour Party (Abure-led Faction) Protests at INEC Headquarters Over Omission of Candidates
Abuja, August 5, 2025 — The Julius Abure-led faction of the Labour Party (LP) on Monday staged a protest at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja, alleging the deliberate omission of its candidates from the list of those eligible for the forthcoming Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections and some National Assembly bye-elections.
The group accused INEC of bias and political sabotage, claiming the Commission had ignored names lawfully submitted by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) under Abure’s leadership.
Protest Details
Chanting solidarity songs and carrying placards that read “Respect Internal Democracy”, “INEC is for All Parties, Not the Powerful”, and “Our Candidates Must Be Recognised”, the protesters marched peacefully around the INEC headquarters under tight security provided by police and civil defence officers.
Labour Party National Chairman Julius Abure, who led the demonstration, said the protest was a last resort after several letters and court orders compelling INEC to recognise the party’s nominated candidates were allegedly ignored.
> “We submitted our candidates in line with the Electoral Act, and INEC is under obligation to publish them. This is a clear attack on democratic rights and an attempt to frustrate the Labour Party’s growing influence,” Abure said.
Background
The protest comes amid lingering factional crises within the Labour Party, particularly between the Abure-led leadership and other rival factions supported by external political forces. INEC has previously been accused of recognising lists from competing factions, leading to multiple court cases and confusion among party supporters.
Abure insisted that the party under his leadership remains the authentic and legally recognised structure, and warned that failure to correct the omission could lead to mass voter apathy and legal action.
INEC Response
INEC is yet to issue an official statement on the protest, though insiders hinted that the Commission acted in compliance with judicial directives and guidelines regarding internal party disputes.
> “Where there is a court judgment or pending litigation, INEC must tread carefully,” a senior INEC official told journalists.
What Next?
Abure says the party will give INEC a seven-day ultimatum to rectify the omission or face further legal and civil actions nationwide.
The protest adds another layer of complexity to the political climate ahead of the FCT Area Council polls and National Assembly bye-elections.
