The Digest:
The Federal High Court in Abuja has upheld the exclusion of Labour Party (LP) candidates from the upcoming Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Justice Peter Lifu, in a ruling delivered on Wednesday, declined to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to accept or publish the LP's list of nominated candidates for the February 21 polls. The court dismissed the suit filed by the LP, which argued that INEC unlawfully omitted its candidates and party logo from the published list. Justice Lifu ruled that the suit, filed outside the 14-day constitutional window for pre-election matters, was statute-barred.
Key Points:
- The ruling effectively bars the Labour Party from participating in the FCT council elections, impacting political competition in the territory.
- It underscores the strict application of statutory timelines in pre-election litigation, emphasizing procedural compliance over substantive grievance.
- The LP’s exclusion may alter voter choices and party dynamics in the FCT, potentially benefiting other competing parties.
- The decision highlights ongoing internal and legal challenges facing the Labour Party’s electoral preparedness and administrative coordination.
- Timing is critical as the election date approaches, leaving the LP with limited legal recourse to reinstate its candidates.
Sources: Daily Post, Daily Trust
