- To this end, the trial court ordered that the duo be accepted and recognized by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the election
The Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled that Chief Olusola Nehemiah and Ezekiel Awude are the legitimate and lawful candidates of the Labour Party (LP) for the Ondo governorship election.
Nehemiah and Awude are the governorship and deputy governorship candidates respectively.
To this end, the trial court ordered that the duo be accepted and recognized by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the election.
The order was consequent upon the ruling of Justice Emeka Nwite on Friday in Abuja while delivering judgment in a joint suit instituted against INEC and others by the Labour Party, Nehemiah and Awude.
The court ordered that the electoral umpire must accord Nehemiah and Awude the recognition, rights and privileges as governorship candidates for the November 16 Ondo State governorship poll.
In his judgment in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1105/2024, Justice Nwite held that the second primary election held by Labour Party and which produced Nehemiah and Awude was valid and must be upheld by INEC.
Justice Nwite said that there is evidence that Nehemiah paid N20 million into the United Bank for Africa (UBA) account of Labour Party for nomination form and was duly issued a form that led to conduct of the second primary election.
The Judge also held that evidence abound that Labour Party ordered Nehemiah to pay N5 million to one Olorunfemi Ayodele Festus into his account number 0023807463 at the Guarantee Trust Bank as expenses upon his withdrawal from the gubernatorial race.
Justice Nwite said it was wrong and illegal for the Julius Abure-led Labour Party leaders to disown the fresh primary election that produced Nehemiah and Awude having met all conditions precedent.
Justice Nwite therefore ordered INEC to accept the nomination of Nehemiah and Awude and publish their names as lawful candidates of the Labour Party for the Ondo State governorship election slated for November 16.