Labour Party selects Maku, Eze, and several others to run in upcoming June 20 by-elections

The Labour Party has finalized its candidate selection process for the upcoming June 20 by-elections, identifying representatives for vacant seats in several key constituencies, including Nasarawa North, Enugu North, Rivers South-East, and three others.

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Conducted on Monday in the affected states, the primaries adhered to the schedule outlined by the Independent National Electoral Commission, with National Publicity Secretary Ken Asogwa announcing the outcomes in a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday.

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Labaran Maku, the former Minister of Information, emerged as the party's consensus candidate in Nasarawa North, garnering widespread support from members at the party's zonal office.

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A similar consensus process in Enugu North Senatorial District yielded Amb. Simon Ejike Eze as the party's flagbearer, with members from across the district endorsing his candidacy.

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Other candidates selected through consensus 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.

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The vacancies in Enugu North, Nasarawa North, and Rivers South-East arose from the passing of the respective senators representing these districts in the 10th Senate.

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Ondo South became vacant following Senator Jimoh Ibrahim's resignation to take up an appointment by President Bola Tinubu as Nigeria's Permanent Representative to the United Nations.

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Senator Okey Ezea of Enugu North passed away on November 18, 2025, at the age of 62, while Senator Godiya Akwashiki of Nasarawa North died on December 31, 2025, at 52, and Senator Barinada Mpigi of Rivers South-East on February 18, 2026, at 64.

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The Labour Party praised the Independent National Electoral Commission for its oversight of the primaries, characterizing the process as peaceful, transparent, and successful across all constituencies.

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The party extended congratulations to the successful candidates and urged its members, supporters, and democracy advocates in the affected areas to rally behind them in advance of the June 20 polls.

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The Labour Party noted that its selected candidates possess proven competence, integrity, and a commitment to the party's principles of social democracy, equal opportunity, and social justice.