The Labour Party has selected former Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, as its candidate for the Nasarawa North Senatorial District by-election.
According to the party, Maku emerged through a consensus arrangement during the primary election held on Monday at the party’s zonal office in Nasarawa North.
The party explained that the exercise followed the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for filling vacant senatorial, federal and state constituency seats nationwide.
Supporters and party members across the district reportedly turned out in large numbers to endorse Maku ahead of the election.
In Enugu State, the Labour Party also selected experienced diplomat, Simon Ejike Eze, as its candidate for the Enugu North Senatorial District by-election.
The party described the process that produced Eze as peaceful and free of disputes, noting that stakeholders across the district participated in the consensus arrangement.
The developments were disclosed in a statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ken Asogwa.
According to the statement, the primaries across all affected constituencies were conducted successfully and peacefully.
Other Candidates Emerge
The party also announced Sam Kinanee as its candidate for the Rivers South-East Senatorial District by-election.
In Ondo State, Barrister Ige Aiyeobasan Asemudara emerged as the party’s flag bearer for the Ondo South Senatorial District.
For the Dawaki Kudu/Warawa Federal Constituency in Kano State, the party picked Abubakar Yahaya Muhammad, while Muhammad Aliyu Galadima was selected for the Zuru State Constituency by-election in Kebbi State.
The Labour Party stated that all candidates emerged through consensus, stressing that the processes were transparent and in line with democratic principles.
The party recalled that the senatorial seats in Enugu North, Nasarawa North and Rivers South-East became vacant following the deaths of lawmakers representing the districts in the 10th Senate.
According to the statement, Senator Okey Ezea died in a Lagos hospital on November 18, 2025, at the age of 62 after a brief illness.
The party described Ezea as the only elected office holder in Enugu State who remained loyal to the Labour Party despite defections that affected the party last year.
It also noted that Senator Godiya Akwashiki died on December 31, 2025, at the age of 52 after a prolonged illness.
The statement further disclosed that Senator Barinada Mpigi passed away on February 18, 2026, at the age of 64.
According to the party, the Ondo South Senatorial seat became vacant after former senator Jimoh Ibrahim resigned following his appointment by President Bola Tinubu as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
The Labour Party commended the Independent National Electoral Commission for what it described as professionalism and diligence in supervising the primaries across the affected constituencies.
“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 statement read.
The party also congratulated all successful candidates and urged members and supporters to work together toward victory in the forthcoming by-elections.
It added that the party remained committed to presenting credible candidates capable of representing the interests of the people while upholding the Labour Party’s values in public office.