Labour Party Announces Candidates for Four Senatorial By-Elections
The Labour Party has named former Minister of Information Labaran Maku as its flagbearer for the Nasarawa North Senatorial District by-election. Maku emerged through a consensus arrangement during the party’s primary held at its zonal office in Nasarawa North on Monday.
The exercise was conducted in accordance with the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for vacant senatorial, federal and state constituency seats nationwide. Party faithful from across the district turned out in large numbers to endorse Maku’s candidature ahead of the poll.
Enugu North Senatorial District
In Enugu State, the party selected seasoned diplomat Simon Ejike Eze as its candidate for the Enugu North Senatorial District by-election. The Labour Party described the primary process as peaceful and rancour‑free, with members from across the senatorial district participating in the consensus selection.
Rivers South‑East Senatorial District
The Labour Party also announced Engr. Sam Kinanee as its candidate for the Rivers South‑East Senatorial District by‑election.
Ondo South Senatorial District
In Ondo State, Barrister Ige Aiyeobasan Asemudara emerged as the party’s candidate for the Ondo South Senatorial District.
Additional candidates were named for other constituencies: Abubakar Yahaya Muhammad for the Dawaki Kudu/Warawa Federal Constituency in Kano State, and Muhammad Aliyu Galadima for the Zuru State Constituency by‑election in Kebbi State.
The Labour Party stressed that all candidates emerged through consensus arrangements, emphasizing that the processes were transparent and aligned with democratic principles.
Background on the Vacant Seats
The senatorial seats in Enugu North, Nasarawa North and Rivers South‑East became vacant following the deaths of the incumbent lawmakers in the 10th Senate. Senator Okey Ezea, who represented Enugu North, passed away on 18 November 2025 at age 62 after a brief illness. Senator Godiya Akwashiki, the Nasarawa North representative, died on 31 December 2025 at age 52 after a prolonged illness. Senator Barinada Mpigi, who held the Rivers South‑East seat, died on 18 February 2026 at age 64.
The Ondo South Senatorial seat fell vacant after former senator Jimoh Ibrahim resigned upon his appointment by President Bola Tinubu as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
The Labour Party commended INEC for its professionalism and diligence in monitoring the primaries, stating:
“The Labour Party commends the INEC for its professionalism and diligence in monitoring the primaries, which were conducted peacefully, transparently and successfully across the affected constituencies.”
The party congratulated all successful candidates and urged members, supporters and leaders to work together to secure victory in the forthcoming by‑elections.
Reiterating its founding principles of social democracy, equal opportunity and social justice, the Labour Party affirmed that it carefully selected candidates with proven competence, integrity and a firm commitment to the party’s ideals.
The Labour Party remains dedicated to presenting credible candidates who can represent the people’s interests and uphold the party’s values in public office.
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