The National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), Barr. Julius Abure, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to release the access code required for the upload of the party’s candidate list ahead of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections.

Speaking during the quarterly consultative meeting between INEC and political party leaders in Abuja, Abure expressed concern that Labour Party candidates in the FCT risk disqualification unless the commission enables their access to the nomination portal.

Labour Party Alleges Procedural Blockade

According to Abure, the party has completed all necessary processes, including primaries and internal documentation, and has submitted its candidate list to INEC.

However, he stated that the party has been unable to proceed with uploading the list because it has not been issued the designated access code.

“The Labour Party has fulfilled its obligations under the law. All we ask is for INEC to release the access code so our candidates are not excluded from the democratic process,” Abure said at the meeting.

INEC Promises to Review Situation

In response, INEC Acting Chairman, May Agbamuche-Mbu, assured Abure and other party leaders that the commission would look into the issue.

She reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to fairness and inclusivity, stating that no political party would be deliberately disenfranchised.

“INEC will consider all matters brought before it, including that of the Labour Party. We remain committed to conducting a credible election in the FCT,” she noted.

Court Order in Labour Party’s Favour

The development follows a July 2025 order from a Nasarawa State High Court, which mandated INEC to recognize Julius Abure’s leadership of the Labour Party and directed the commission to grant access for uploading candidates for both past bye-elections and the upcoming FCT polls.

Despite the order, INEC has reportedly not complied fully, citing internal party leadership disputes and the need for procedural clarity.

Rival factions within the Labour Party have also challenged Abure’s authority, further complicating the commission’s position.

Political Stakes Remain High

With the FCT elections fast approaching, any delay in uploading candidate names could effectively exclude the Labour Party from the contest in key council areas. Analysts warn that such a scenario may deepen existing tensions and spark renewed legal battles between the party and the electoral body.

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Abure, however, remained optimistic that under Agbamuche-Mbu’s leadership, INEC would act in accordance with the rule of law and facilitate a level playing field for all political actors.

What This Means?

The dispute highlights ongoing friction between INEC and political parties over access to electoral processes, as well as the growing influence of court orders in shaping pre-election procedures.

With internal divisions still unresolved, the Labour Party faces a critical period that may determine its ability to field candidates in the FCT — and possibly affect its broader electoral strategy ahead of 2027.