In a landmark ruling that promises to shake up the political landscape in Ondo State, the Federal High Court in Abuja has officially mandated the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize Chief Olusola Nehemiah and Ezekiel Awude as the rightful governorship and deputy governorship candidates of the Labour Party (LP) for the upcoming Ondo State gubernatorial election.
Justice Emeka Nwite delivered this judgment on Friday, confirming that Nehemiah and Awude must be accorded all the recognition, rights, and privileges that come with being candidates in the election set for November 16. This decision marks a significant victory for the Labour Party and its supporters as it solidifies their position in the forthcoming political contest.
The ruling stemmed from a joint suit filed against INEC by the Labour Party, Nehemiah, and Awude. The court case revolved around the validity of a second primary election held by the Labour Party, which produced Nehemiah and Awude as candidates.
Justice Nwite noted that Nehemiah had deposited a hefty sum of N20 million into the United Bank for Africa (UBA) account of the Labour Party for the nomination form.
Moreover, the court found that there was also evidence indicating that the Labour Party had instructed Nehemiah to pay N5 million to Olorunfemi Ayodele Festus as part of the expenses related to his earlier withdrawal from the gubernatorial race. This financial transaction further reinforced the legitimacy of the internal processes of the Labour Party and underscored that Nehemiah had adhered to the necessary protocols to secure his position as the party’s candidate.
In his ruling, Justice Nwite criticized the leadership of the Labour Party, particularly those aligned with Julius Abure, for their attempt to disown the results of the second primary election. He deemed their actions as not only wrong but also illegal, as they disregarded the party’s own internal governance and the rights of the candidates who emerged from the democratic process.
The judge made it abundantly clear that the Labour Party had met all the necessary conditions for a valid primary election. Consequently, he ordered INEC to not only accept the nominations of Nehemiah and Awude but also to publish their names as the lawful candidates representing the Labour Party in the upcoming gubernatorial election.
For the Labour Party, this ruling is a much-needed boost ahead of the elections. With Nehemiah and Awude now recognized as candidates, the party can focus on its campaign strategies and engage with voters in Ondo State. The Labour Party’s grassroots supporters are likely to rally behind their candidates with renewed vigor, motivated by the judicial endorsement of their leadership.
Political analysts suggest that this ruling could significantly influence the dynamics of the Ondo State gubernatorial race. With Nehemiah’s experience and Awude’s backing, the Labour Party is poised to present a formidable challenge to their opponents. The court’s decision may also prompt other political parties to reassess their candidate selection processes to avoid similar legal challenges in the future.
As the election date approaches, all eyes will be on how the Labour Party mobilizes its campaign efforts in light of this court ruling. Will Nehemiah and Awude be able to galvanize enough support to secure a victory in a state that has historically been competitive? Their campaign strategies will be critical in determining the outcome.
As the Ondo State gubernatorial election draws near, the ruling lays the groundwork for what promises to be an engaging and pivotal contest in the state’s political arena. With the legitimacy of their candidacy firmly established, Nehemiah and Awude are now tasked with the challenge of winning the hearts and minds of the electorate, armed with the court’s endorsement and the hopes of their supporters.
