The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has finally added the Labour Party (LP) and its candidate, Simon Eze, to the final list of candidates for the Enugu North Senatorial District by-election scheduled for June 20.
The reversal comes just days after the LP dragged INEC to a federal high court in Abuja over its initial exclusion from the list released on June 3. That original list had the All Progressives Congress, Peoples Democratic Party, and Boot Party — but no Labour Party.
Ken Asogwa, the LP's national spokesperson, confirmed the development in a statement on Saturday. He praised INEC for "correcting the earlier omission" and thanked the commission's chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, for ensuring the issue was resolved.
"The Labour Party wishes to commend the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for correcting the earlier omission of the party and its candidate from the list of contestants for the forthcoming Enugu North Senatorial District by-election scheduled for June 20, 2026," Asogwa said.
The by-election became necessary after Senator Okey Ezea, who represented the district in the 10th Senate, died. The LP had initially submitted Eze as its candidate, but the party said an unnamed INEC official in Enugu State refused to transmit the primary election report because he was "out of town" on the day of the primaries.
The LP argued that excuse was untenable. In its court filing on June 8, the party said it had fulfilled every legal requirement under the Electoral Act and INEC's own regulations. It accused the electoral body of punishing the party for an official's negligence.
"This excuse is untenable and raises serious questions about the discharge of official responsibilities," the party had said. "Electoral processes and the constitutional rights of political parties cannot be subjected to the convenience or personal circumstances of individual officers."
Asogwa said the LP is now "fully prepared to participate in the by-election and offer the people of Enugu North a credible and people-oriented representation." He expressed confidence that the outcome would "deepen Nigeria's democratic culture and strengthen the people's faith in the electoral process."
The LP's inclusion means voters in Enugu North will now have a full slate of candidates to choose from on June 20. The party has been a major force in the region since its strong performance in the 2023 general elections, and its exclusion had sparked outrage among supporters.
INEC hasn't publicly explained why the LP was left off the initial list. But the commission's quick reversal — before the court could issue any orders — suggests it wanted to avoid a legal battle that could've delayed the by-election.
Asogwa urged LP supporters to remain vigilant and turn out on election day. "Your vigilance, commitment, and unwavering faith in the Party remain invaluable," he said.