THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declined to recognise the dissolution of the Labour Party’s state, local government and ward executives across Nigeria, citing violations of both statutory procedures and the party’s constitution.
In a letter dated February 16, 2026, addressed to the Caretaker Chairman of the Labour Party obtained by News Point Nigeria, the electoral commission stated that the decision taken by the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) to dissolve the structures nationwide could not be accepted because the commission was not formally notified of the meeting where the decision was taken.
The letter, signed by Dr. Rose Oriaran-Anthony, Secretary to the Commission, was issued from the INEC headquarters in Abuja.
According to the commission, the Labour Party had earlier written to notify it of the dissolution of all party executives at the state, local government and ward levels across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
However, INEC said the action did not comply with the legal and procedural requirements governing political parties.
The letter read in part that the commission had received the party’s correspondence dated February 6, 2026, informing it of the decision to dissolve the executives and constitute interim state working committees nationwide.
But after reviewing the matter, the commission concluded that the decision could not be recognised.
“The Commission regrets to inform you that the dissolution of State, Local Government and Ward Executives of your Party in all the 36 States and the FCT by the National Executive Council (NEC) without giving the statutory notice of the meeting to the Commission and without the authority to act in your Party Constitution cannot be acceded to,” the letter stated.
Under Nigeria’s electoral laws, political parties are required to formally notify INEC before holding key meetings such as conventions, congresses or other gatherings where major decisions affecting party leadership or structures are taken.
This requirement enables the electoral body to monitor the process and ensure that internal party decisions comply with both the law and the party’s constitution.
By failing to provide the statutory notice before the NEC meeting where the dissolution was reportedly approved, INEC said the decision cannot be validated.
The development means that the purported dissolution of Labour Party executives across the country cannot take effect unless the process is conducted in line with legal requirements and duly recognised by the electoral commission.
It also implies that the existing party structures at the state, local government and ward levels remain valid until any change is carried out in compliance with the law and the party’s constitution.
As of the time of filing this report, the Labour Party leadership had yet to issue an official response to INEC’s position.