The Labour Party (LP) has filed a lawsuit against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), challenging what it describes as the unlawful exclusion of its candidate from the upcoming Enugu North Senatorial District by-election.

The party is asking the court to review INEC’s decision, which it claims prevented its nominee from participating in the electoral contest. According to LP, the exclusion undermines internal party democracy and violates electoral guidelines governing candidate nomination and participation.

Labour Party (Nigeria) said the move by the electoral body has disenfranchised its supporters in the constituency and could affect the credibility of the by-election process if not addressed.

The suit also names Independent National Electoral Commission as the defendant, with the party seeking judicial intervention to reinstate its candidate and affirm what it describes as its lawful participation in the poll.

Details of the specific grounds for exclusion were not immediately clear, but electoral disputes involving nomination procedures and party documentation are common ahead of by-elections in Nigeria.

The Enugu North Senatorial District by-election is expected to fill a vacant seat in the National Assembly, with multiple parties already preparing for the contest.

The case is expected to be heard in the coming days as political tensions build ahead of the poll.