Ahead of the November Gubernatorial election in Ondo State, a Federal High Court in Abuja, has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to accept and recognize the candidates of the Labour Party, LP, for the election.
Olusola Nehemiah and Ezekiel Awude are the Governorship and Deputy Gubernatorial candidates of the Labour Party for the Ondo State Governorship Election.
This was contained in a judgment by Justice Emeka Nwite on Friday in Abuja.
Delivering judgment in a joint suit instituted against INEC and others by the LP candidates, Nwite ordered that INEC recognize the duo.
Justice Nwite held that the second primary election held by Labour Party, and which produced Nehemiah and Awude was valid. Therefore, must be upheld by INEC.
Justice Nwite said that there was evidence that Nehemiah ordered and paid the sum of N20m for nomination form. And he was duly issued a form that led to conduct of the second primary election.
Nwite also held that there was evidence that Labour Party ordered Nehemiah to pay the sum of N5m to one Olorunfemi Ayodele Festus as expenses upon his withdrawal from the Governorship race. And the money was paid into his account number 0023807463 at the Guaranty Trust Bank.
“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,” Nwite said.
Justice Nwite, therefore, ordered INEC to accept the nomination of Nehemiah and Awude. And to publish their names as lawful candidates of the Labour Party for the Ondo state Governorship election slated for November 16.
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