Labour Party Names Maku, Eze, Others as Candidates for June 20 By-Elections

By Our Correspondent

The Labour Party has officially unveiled its candidates for the upcoming June 20 by-elections following a series of successful primary elections held on Monday across various constituencies.

Among the prominent flagbearers is former Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, who will contest the Nasarawa North Senatorial District by-election.

In Enugu North Senatorial District, seasoned diplomat, Amb.

Simon Ejike Eze, secured the party’s ticket. Both emerged through peaceful consensus arrangements witnessed by large turnouts of party faithful.

Other candidates unveiled by the party include Engr. Sam Kinanee for Rivers South-East Senatorial District, Barrister Ige Aiyeobasan Asemudara for Ondo South Senatorial District, Abubakar Yahaya Muhammad for Dawaki Kudu/Warawa Federal Constituency in Kano State, and Muhammad Aliyu Galadima for the Zuru State Constituency by-election in Kebbi State.

The primaries were conducted in compliance with the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the by-elections scheduled for 20th June 2026.

The seats became vacant under varying circumstances: the deaths of Senators Okey Ezea (Enugu North), Godiya Akwashiki (Nasarawa North), and Barinada Mpigi (Rivers South-East), as well as the resignation of Senator Jimoh Ibrahim (Ondo South) following his appointment as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.

In a statement, the Labour Party commended INEC for its professionalism in monitoring the exercises, which it described as peaceful, transparent, and successful.

The party congratulated all its candidates and called on members, supporters, and lovers of democracy to rally behind them ahead of the June 20 polls.

“As a party founded on the principles of social democracy, equal opportunity and social justice, we have carefully selected candidates with proven competence, integrity and commitment to the ideals of the party,” the statement signed by National Publicity Secretary, Ken Eluma Asogwa, read.

The by-elections are expected to serve as a key test of the Labour Party’s organisational strength following a wave of defections that affected the party last year.