Labour Party Blames INEC for Interference
The Labour Party (LP) leadership has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of targeting the party in retaliation for its support of Peter Obi and Alex Otti during the 2023 elections. In a press statement, the party alleged that INEC is colluding with certain leaders, including Obi and Otti, to undermine the current party leadership through unlawful means.
Allegations of Unlawful Actions
The Labour Party claims that recent media reports about INEC’s refusal to recognise the current executives are part of a broader effort to destabilise the party. The statement referred to an “illegal” stakeholders’ meeting in Umuahia, convened by Peter Obi and Alex Otti, where they allegedly appointed a 29-member caretaker committee. The party insists that this move was not only undemocratic but also a violation of party principles.
Dispute Over Party Leadership
Labour Party leadership expressed disappointment over the involvement of Peter Obi and Alex Otti in the leadership crisis. They argue that instead of supporting the party, both leaders are now trying to use INEC to take over leadership positions. The party believes that its current executive, led by Julius Abure, was validly elected during the March 2024 National Convention.
INEC’s Role Questioned
INEC had earlier stated that it does not recognise the Labour Party’s current National Working Committee due to its alleged failure to comply with electoral regulations. The Labour Party responded by filing a lawsuit against the commission, accusing it of bias. The party insists that INEC’s stance is unlawful and that the commission has no right to interfere in the party’s internal affairs.
Betrayal and Political Gamesmanship
The Labour Party accused Obi and Otti of betraying the party’s principles. They reminded the public that LP had stood by both leaders during the 2023 elections, enduring numerous legal and political battles. Now, they claim these leaders are working with INEC to take over the party’s leadership, further weakening LP at a crucial time.
Court Ruling Supports Labour Party
The Labour Party leadership highlighted a recent Federal High Court ruling that declared the party’s March 2024 National Convention valid. The court ruled that INEC had no jurisdiction over the internal affairs of political parties. The LP urged its members to remain united, assuring them that the current leadership will remain in place until the next convention in 2028.
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