INEC finally restores Labour Party in Enugu senatorial by-election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially reinstated the Labour Party (LP) and its candidate, Simon Eze, onto the final list for the upcoming Enugu North Senatorial District by-election. This inclusion follows the LP's legal action against INEC after their candidate was initially excluded from the roster for the June 20 poll.

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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.

The by-election was scheduled after the death of Senator Okey Ezea. The Labour Party had alleged that its candidate, Mr. Eze, was not included in the initial list and subsequently filed a lawsuit on June 8, demanding his immediate inclusion.

Ken Asogwa, the national spokesperson for the LP, confirmed the party's inclusion in a statement on Saturday. He commended INEC for correcting the "earlier omission" and stated that the party is now fully prepared to contest the election. "The party is therefore fully prepared to participate in the by-election and offer the people of Enugu North a credible and people-oriented representation in the remaining part of the 10th Senate," Asogwa said.

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The party is therefore fully prepared to participate in the by-election and offer the people of Enugu North a credible and people-oriented representation in the remaining part of the 10th Senate.

Asogwa also expressed gratitude to INEC Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan for his responsiveness, stating that the commission's actions under his leadership have "demonstrated responsiveness and reinforced public confidence in the electoral process." The LP anticipates that the outcome will not only favor their party but also deepen Nigeria's democratic culture and strengthen public faith in elections.

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We remain hopeful that the outcomes will not only be favourable to our Party but will also deepen Nigeria’s democratic culture and strengthen the people’s faith in the electoral process.

Previously, on June 3, INEC released a list of candidates that included the All Progressives Congress, Peoples Democratic Party, and Boot Party, but notably omitted the Labour Party and its candidate for the Enugu North District.

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demonstrated responsiveness and reinforced public confidence in the electoral process.