By Solanke Ayomideji Taiwo
Amidst growing political tensions, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has ignited a fierce debate over the integrity of Nigeria's democracy with its recent decision to exclude candidates from the Labour Party (LP) from ballot listings in the upcoming crucial bye-elections scheduled for August 16. This controversial move has elicited strong reactions from various stakeholders who view it as a serious threat to democratic fairness and the principles of electoral competition in Nigeria.
Prominent among those affected is Adewale Michael Adesanya, the Labour Party candidate for the Remo Federal Constituency, whose name was conspicuously absent from the final list of approved candidates. After being duly nominated on July 19, 2025, Adesanya’s disqualification has raised alarms, particularly as INEC cited “unresolved internal disputes” within the Labour Party as justification—a rationale that the party’s leadership, along with several civil rights groups, has vehemently contested.
“This is not just about me—it’s about the people whose voices risk being silenced,” Adesanya expressed during a press conference. “Our campaign is grounded in community engagement, youth inclusion, and policy-driven transformation. We will seek legal redress to address this injustice.”
The Labour Party, led by Julius Abure, has condemned INEC’s decision as “arbitrary, unlawful, and unconstitutional.” The party insists that the electoral commission exceeded its mandate, stating, “INEC has no legal authority to prevent our party from fielding candidates once we meet all regulatory requirements as per the Electoral Act.”
Legal and political analysts have noted that such actions by administrative agencies could create dangerous precedents, wherein these bodies assume quasi-judicial roles that essentially determine candidates' fates without recourse to courts or due process. Dr. Uduak Ekwueme, a political governance researcher at the University of Abuja, articulated that this situation could lead to what political scientists describe as “competitive authoritarianism.” “Yes, elections may occur, but opposition parties are systematically denied fair chances to contest. That’s not democracy; that’s managed plurality,” he warned.
Concerns have deepened regarding the timing and breadth of the disqualifications, especially as INEC acknowledges factional disputes within the Labour Party. Critics argue that internal conflicts should be addressed in the judiciary instead of being unilaterally resolved by the electoral body. This dynamic, they caution, may incite political disenchantment and voter apathy, particularly among Nigeria’s vibrant youth population, who had significantly supported LP candidates in recent elections.
Rights group representatives on X (formerly Twitter) have stated that such moves reflect deeper inadequacies within Nigeria’s electoral framework. A spokesperson for the Civil Society Situation Room, a coalition dedicated to monitoring electoral integrity, highlighted, “When an electoral commission takes on both referee and enforcer roles, we risk diminishing public trust in our electoral processes.” The spokesperson asserted that INEC must uphold its neutrality and defer political disputes to the courts.
In the wake of this crisis, demands for electoral reform have intensified. Several civil society organizations are advocating for the establishment of an independent electoral dispute resolution tribunal that operates independently of INEC. This measure is aimed at ensuring that future intra-party disagreements do not disrupt election timelines or candidate eligibility.
The international community is observing these developments with keen interest. As Africa's largest democracy, Nigeria faces increased scrutiny regarding its electoral practices following a series of contentious outcomes in past electoral cycles. Analysts caution that any perceived bias by INEC could have implications for foreign relations, aid, and overall democratic standing.
Despite the rising tension, Adewale Adesanya remains resolute in his determination. “This movement transcends any single election,” he affirmed. “It is ultimately about creating a Nigeria where fairness, justice, and opportunities are not mere privileges for a select few but fundamental rights for all.”
As the date of the bye-elections approaches, pressure mounts on INEC to reassess its position or brace for potential legal confrontations. The outcome of this ongoing controversy could be pivotal in determining not only the Labour Party’s future but also the very integrity of Nigeria’s democratic framework. As events unfold, one thing remains evident: the fight for electoral integrity and democratic values in Nigeria is far from over.
