The Labour Party leadership has criticised what it describes as another “forum shopping” attempt by Barrister Julius Abure, following reports that a Nasarawa State High Court granted an interlocutory order directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to upload the names of his faction’s candidates for the forthcoming FCT Council elections.
In a statement issued on Friday, 15th August 2025, by Ken Eluma Asogwa, Senior Special Adviser (Media) to the Interim National Chairman, Senator Nenadi Usman, the party questioned both the timing and legality of the alleged order, noting that it was publicised on the eve of nationwide bye-elections and referred to elections scheduled for February 2026.
The statement alleged that Abure has a “notorious record” of electoral fraud, citing alleged forgery during the 2023 Ebonyi State governorship election, which it said is still the subject of a pending police prosecution directive from the Attorney-General of the Federation.
It further argued that the Nasarawa High Court lacked jurisdiction over the matter since INEC is a federal institution under the exclusive purview of the Federal High Court. The party called the move “an abuse of judicial process” and urged the courts to sanction those engaging in such practices.
The Labour Party also recalled that the Supreme Court, on 4th April 2025, removed Abure from office in a landmark judgment, accusing the APC-led Federal Government of “sustaining and emboldening” him in defiance of the ruling. The party said the development reflected a broader scheme to undermine both the Labour Party and Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
