Court Upholds INEC’s Exclusion of Labour Party from FCT Council Elections

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The Federal High Court in Abuja has reinforced the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) position regarding participation in the forthcoming Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections, ruling against the Labour Party’s attempt to secure inclusion on the ballot.

Justice Peter Lifu delivered the judgment after reviewing a legal challenge filed by the party, which sought to compel the electoral body to recognise and publish its list of candidates ahead of the February 21 council polls.

Why the Court Declined the Request

Rather than examining the political arguments raised by the party, the court focused primarily on procedural compliance. The judge determined that the lawsuit fell outside the legally permitted timeframe for pre-election disputes.

Under Nigeria’s constitutional provisions governing electoral litigation, any pre-election complaint must be initiated within a strict period following the event that triggered the dispute. The court ruled that the Labour Party failed to meet this requirement, thereby removing the court’s authority to consider the case.

Justice Lifu emphasised that jurisdiction cannot exist once statutory deadlines have expired, citing constitutional rules that limit such actions to a 14-day window.

Timeline Issues Highlighted by the Court

Although the party instituted legal action in early October 2025, the court observed that the alleged exclusion occurred later that month. The mismatch between the filing date and the cause of action became a decisive factor.

The judge concluded that failure to comply with the constitutional timeline automatically rendered the suit statute-barred, leaving no room for judicial intervention regardless of the claims presented.

Additional Legal Complications

The court also raised concerns about parallel litigation involving the same dispute in another jurisdiction. A similar case was already pending before a High Court in Nasarawa State, a situation the court interpreted as potential forum shopping.

This development, according to the ruling, further weakened the party’s legal position and reinforced the decision to dismiss all requested reliefs.

Labour Party’s Argument

The Labour Party had maintained that its exclusion from the electoral process was unlawful, arguing that INEC omitted both its candidates and logo from the final list of participating parties. The party also stated that official correspondence sent to the electoral commission seeking clarification allegedly received no response.

However, the court held that procedural lapses outweighed these claims, concluding that the matter could no longer be entertained.

Background to INEC’s Position

The electoral commission’s decision came amid ongoing leadership disagreements within the Labour Party, which reportedly produced competing candidate submissions. Observers believe the internal crisis complicated recognition of the party’s nominations for the FCT elections.

INEC’s stance reflected concerns over identifying a single authorised faction capable of submitting valid candidates under electoral regulations.

Commentary & Analysis

Legal analysts say the ruling underscores the rigid nature of Nigeria’s pre-election litigation framework, where timing often determines outcomes as much as substantive arguments. Courts consistently emphasise that electoral disputes require urgency to prevent disruptions to election schedules.

The case also illustrates how internal party conflicts can spill into electoral processes, affecting candidate participation and voter choice. When leadership legitimacy becomes contested, electoral bodies face difficulties determining which faction represents the party legally.

Beyond the immediate impact on the FCT elections, the judgment may serve as a cautionary example for political parties navigating internal disputes. Failure to resolve leadership questions early can translate into exclusion from key electoral contests.

For the Labour Party, the decision not only limits its participation in the upcoming council elections but also highlights the broader consequences of organisational instability within Nigeria’s competitive political landscape.