Abure: INEC is Punishing Us for Defending Obi and Otti During 2023 Elections

Labour Party Claims INEC Retaliation Over Obi, Otti Defense

The Labour Party faction led by Julius Abure has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of targeting them as retribution for their staunch defense of the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and Abia State Governor, Alex Otti.

At a media briefing in Abuja, addressed by the faction’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, the Labour Party claimed that their support for Obi and Otti during the 2023 general elections has led to a series of punitive actions by INEC.

Ifoh stated that both Peter Obi and Alex Otti have now aligned themselves with INEC, which the party claims compromised the will of the people during the elections. “Our party is currently facing these challenges because of our unwavering stance in defending these leaders in 2023,” Ifoh said.

He further expressed disappointment, accusing Obi and Otti of betraying the Labour Party. According to Ifoh, the two leaders convened an “illegal” stakeholders’ meeting in Umuahia, during which they formed a 29-member caretaker committee to challenge the current leadership. This move, the party argues, was facilitated by INEC’s claim that the National Working Committee’s tenure had expired.

Ifoh added, “It’s disheartening to see those we defended now using INEC to undermine the party leadership. INEC failed to protect the will of the people in 2023, and yet, some of our leaders are now embracing this same institution.”

The Labour Party has taken legal action against INEC, challenging their exclusion from key processes ahead of the upcoming Edo and Ondo elections. Despite the ongoing internal conflict, the party’s leadership insists that their current executives, re-elected in March 2024, remain legitimate and will continue until 2028, unless another valid convention occurs.

Conclusion:

The Labour Party’s internal crisis deepens as accusations of betrayal and punishment continue to unfold. With legal battles underway, the party’s future leadership remains uncertain amidst the growing rift between its members and INEC.