Olusegun Ariyo
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.
The court ordered that Nehemiah and Awude must be accorded recognition, rights and privileges as governorship candidates for the November 16 Ondo State governorship poll.
Justice Emeka Nwite issued the order on Friday in Abuja while delivering judgment in a joint suit instituted against INEC and others by the Labour Party, Nehemiah and Awude.
In his judgment in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1105/2024, 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 evidence abound that Nehemiah paid N20 million into the United Bank for Africa (UBA) account of Labour Party for nomination form and was duly issued a form that led to conduct of the second primary election.
The Judge also held that evidence abound that Labour Party ordered Nehemiah to pay N5 million to one Olorunfemi Ayodele Festus into his account number 0023807463 at the Guarantee Trust Bank as expenses upon his withdrawal from the gubernatorial 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.
