The Labour Party (LP) has strongly criticised the conduct of Saturday’s by-elections across 16 states, calling the exercise a major setback for Nigeria’s democracy.
In a statement by Ken Asogwa, Senior Special Adviser (Media) to the Acting National Chairman, Senator Nenadi Usman, the party cited widespread vote-buying, violence, and lack of transparency, alleging that the elections conducted by INEC did not meet democratic standards.
“What transpired amounted to a mockery of democracy,” the LP said, pointing to irregularities in states like Kaduna, Anambra, Ogun, Oyo, and Kano.
The party warned that electoral reforms and stricter oversight are urgently needed, stating that INEC’s performance raises doubts over its capacity to conduct the 2027 general elections fairly.
“If INEC can’t handle limited by-elections transparently, how can it manage a full-scale general election?” the statement questioned.
The LP also urged President Bola Tinubu to act decisively in safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic processes, stressing that electoral credibility is essential for political stability.
While INEC is yet to respond, it had earlier described the polls as largely peaceful and successful, despite a few isolated incidents
