The Labour Party has firmly dissociated itself from a protest reportedly scheduled to take place today at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), denouncing the organisers as “impostors” and “political impersonators.”
In an official statement issued by Ken Asogwa, Senior Special Adviser on Media to the party’s Interim National Chairman, Senator Nenadi Usman, the party stressed that it neither sanctioned nor recognises the individuals behind the planned demonstration.
“The attention of the Labour Party’s leadership has been drawn to an invitation circulating on social media and other platforms, announcing a protest to be held on August 6, 2025, at the INEC headquarters,” the statement reads.
“We wish to categorically state that the Labour Party is not involved in, associated with, or supportive of this protest. The organisers are unknown to the party’s leadership, and their actions are unauthorised, illegitimate, and deeply mischievous.”
The Labour Party made it clear that any individual or group participating in or promoting the protest is doing so without the knowledge, consent, or backing of the party and should be regarded as political impersonators.
“We are putting the public, the media, and law enforcement agencies on notice: anyone associating themselves with this protest is doing so fraudulently and should be seen as an impostor,” the statement warned.
The party also referenced INEC’s recent rejection of a list of candidates allegedly submitted by former National Chairman Julius Abure and his faction, calling it a welcome step toward restoring order and legality.
“INEC’s rejection of the illegitimate list submitted by Julius Abure and his unlawful group for the upcoming national bye-elections and local council polls affirms our position,” the statement added.
“We are confident that INEC, as a credible and constitutionally mandated institution, will proceed to accept and publish the authentic list of candidates submitted by the current, court-recognised leadership of the Labour Party.”
The party pointed to the Supreme Court ruling of April 4, 2025, which it said had clearly affirmed the expiration of Julius Abure’s tenure as party chairman since June 8, 2023.
“We call on INEC to continue standing firm by upholding the law and the Supreme Court’s verdict, which decisively nullified the tenure of Mr. Abure and his associates,” the party emphasized.
The Labour Party also urged INEC to update its portal and official platforms to reflect the current and legitimate leadership, in accordance with the ruling of the apex court.
In a strong call to action, the party requested the intervention of security agencies to prevent any further acts of misrepresentation and public disturbance.
“We urge security agencies to treat those planning this protest as what they are: political impersonators and mischief-makers,” the statement concluded.
“Their actions are calculated to cause public disorder and tarnish the image of the Labour Party. We call for their immediate arrest and prosecution in line with the law.”
