Not even the early morning downpour could wash away the frustration that simmered in the hearts of Labour Party supporters as they converged at the gates of Nigeria’s electoral umpire.
Under soaked umbrellas and with clenched fists gripping placards, a wave of protesters—made up of Civil Society Organizations, candidates, and loyalists of the Julius Abure-led Labour Party—descended on the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja on Wednesday, demanding justice and a place on the ballot.
The protest was sparked by INEC’s alleged refusal to upload the names of Labour Party candidates for the August 16 bye-elections, a move the party described as a direct violation of a court order that affirmed Barrister Julius Abure as the party’s legitimate National Chairman.
“We will not stand by while our rights are trampled,” said Dr. Barry Avotu-Johnson, the party’s Deputy National Youth Leader, his voice rising above the drumming rain. “INEC must obey the court and upload the names of our validly nominated candidates. Democracy cannot exist where the law is ignored.”
Placards read like cries from a wounded political soul: “INEC, who is using you against LP?”, “Mahmood, stop destroying democracy!”, “Obey court orders now!”
Among the crowd was Mr. Peter Ugwu, a party official from the Federal Capital Territory, who expressed deep concern over what he called a deliberate attempt to silence the party.
“We held our primaries. We followed the rules. But while other parties see their names on the INEC portal, Labour Party is locked out. This isn’t just unfair—it’s unconstitutional,” Ugwu lamented.
From the Civil Society angle, Peter Piper, acting as spokesperson, reminded the nation that this was not about partisan politics, but about the soul of democracy.
“This is a test for our institutions,” he said. “Today it’s Labour Party. Tomorrow, it could be anyone. When INEC ignores a court order, it damages the credibility of elections and the rule of law.”
The tension at the protest was thick, but the crowd remained peaceful and resolute, even as security officers stood watchfully nearby. Protesters sang, chanted, and demanded to be heard—not just by INEC, but by the conscience of a country still struggling to build democratic integrity.
Eventually, INEC National Commissioner Abdulahi Zuru emerged to receive the group and assured them that their demands would be “duly communicated” to the Commission’s leadership. But the protesters left with a clear message: they will not be silenced.
As one young supporter yelled on his way back into a bus, soaked but defiant:
“This rain can’t stop us. We’re fighting for the future.”