Labour Party faction faults by-elections, warns of threat to 2027 polls

The faction of the Labour Party (LP) led by Senator Nenadi Usman, has criticised the conduct of Saturday’s by-elections across 16 states, describing the exercise as a setback for Nigeria’s democracy and a warning sign ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement signed by Ken Asogwa, Senior Special Adviser (Media) to the Acting National Chairman, Senator Nenadi Usman, the party alleged widespread irregularities, including vote-buying, violence, and a lack of transparency.

“What transpired across Nigeria in the name of by-elections amounted to a mockery of democracy. From Kaduna to Anambra, Ogun to Oyo and Kano, reports indicated incidents of vote-buying, voter intimidation, and logistical lapses,” the statement read.

The LP argued that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which oversaw the exercise, failed to uphold democratic standards. It warned that unless urgent reforms are carried out, the credibility of the 2027 general elections could be in jeopardy.

“If INEC cannot conduct limited off-season elections with transparency and credibility, it raises serious concerns about its ability to manage a nationwide general election in 2027,” the party stated.

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The LP further urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to act swiftly to restore confidence in Nigeria’s democratic processes. “The credibility of our electoral system is fundamental to the stability of our democracy. It is imperative that the government addresses growing public concern about electoral transparency and security,” the statement concluded.

While INEC has yet to formally respond to the allegations, the commission earlier described the by-elections as largely peaceful and successful, acknowledging only a few isolated incidents.

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