Court Orders INEC to Recognize Kadiri as Labour Party’s Deputy Governorship Candidate in Edo Election

In a landmark ruling, the Federal High Court in Abuja has directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to acknowledge Prince Yusuf Kadiri, SAN, as the Deputy Governorship candidate of the Labour Party (LP) for the upcoming gubernatorial election in Edo State.

Justice Emeka Nwite delivered the judgement, affirming that the LP had the right to nominate Kadiri as the running mate to its flag-bearer, Mr. Olumide Akpata, in accordance with provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 and the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

The court’s decision came after INEC had erroneously published Alufohai Oluyinka Faith as the LP’s deputy governorship candidate despite Kadiri being officially nominated by the party. Following the party’s request for substitution, which INEC failed to comply with, the LP brought the matter before the court.

In his ruling, Justice Nwite criticized INEC for disregarding the party’s rightful nomination and emphasized that the Electoral Act clearly outlined procedures for candidate substitution and withdrawal within 90 days of an election. He noted that LP had followed these procedures correctly, as evidenced by documentation submitted to the court.

The judgement further directed INEC to immediately recognize Prince Yusuf Kadiri as the rightful deputy governorship candidate for the LP in Edo State. Additionally, the court issued a perpetual injunction restraining INEC from substituting Kadiri’s name with any other candidate.

This ruling marks a significant legal victory for the Labour Party in Edo State, ensuring that its chosen candidate can participate in the forthcoming election with full recognition from the electoral body.

Conclusion:

The court’s decision reinforces adherence to electoral laws and safeguards the rights of political parties to nominate candidates according to established legal frameworks, setting a precedent for fair electoral practices ahead of the Edo gubernatorial election.