A court in Abuja has upheld the disqualification of candidates of the Labour Party from participating in elections within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), effectively bringing to an end a legal challenge over their exclusion from the electoral process.
In its judgment, the court ruled that the Labour Party failed to meet critical legal and procedural requirements stipulated by electoral laws and guidelines governing participation in the FCT elections. The judge held that compliance with these provisions is mandatory and not optional, stressing that political parties must strictly adhere to laid-down rules to qualify their candidates for elections.
The court noted that evidence presented showed lapses in documentation and procedural compliance on the part of the Labour Party, which justified the decision to exclude its candidates. It further ruled that the actions taken by the electoral authorities were lawful and in line with constitutional and statutory powers granted to them.
In dismissing the party’s claims, the court emphasized that granting reliefs sought by the Labour Party would amount to overlooking clear violations of the law. The judge added that courts are bound to uphold the integrity of the electoral process and cannot compel electoral bodies to act outside established regulations.
Following the ruling, the exclusion of Labour Party candidates from the affected FCT elections remains in force, reshaping the political landscape of the contest and narrowing the field to other qualified parties. The judgment has generated mixed reactions among political stakeholders, with supporters of the Labour Party expressing disappointment while others described the decision as a reinforcement of due process.
As of the time of reporting, the Labour Party had not formally announced whether it would pursue further legal options, but party insiders indicated that consultations were ongoing to determine the next line of action. The ruling stands as a reminder of the importance of strict compliance with electoral laws by political parties seeking to participate in elections.