Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Osaretin Osadebamwen
Published on 2024-02-24 19:51:54
The Labour Party has disassociated itself from a letter addressed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) requesting recognition for Anderson Uwadiae Asemote and Monday Ojore Mawa as the gubernatorial and deputy governorship candidates. The National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, Pastor Obiora Ifoh, denounced the letter as the work of desperate individuals seeking validation. He pointed out that the group in question could not have organized a primary election that was not publicly known and then proceeded to urge INEC to acknowledge their candidates. Ifoh emphasized that the only recognized primary was conducted by the Party led by Abure, with no other valid processes taking place.
He questioned the legitimacy of the claims made in the letter, stating that INEC is obligated to receive any correspondence, whether from a rational source or not. Ifoh reiterated that the alleged primary carried out by the group in question was not reported in the media, highlighting the lack of credibility in their actions. He also mentioned that Lamidi Apapa, who was previously associated with the group, had distanced himself from their activities, further undermining their credibility.
The suspended youth leader of the party, Anselm Eragbe, issued a disclaimer in which he criticized the introduction of Anderson Asemote and Monday Mawr as the governorship and deputy governorship candidates for the upcoming elections in Edo State. Eragbe emphasized that the group lacked the authority to make such decisions without consulting the Labour Party’s National Working Committee from Edo State. He called for a new primary election to replace the names imposed by the Apapa-led group.
The letter of disclaimer raised concerns about the lack of legitimacy in the selection process and highlighted the need for a valid primary to determine the party’s candidates for the election. It also questioned the expiration of the leadership tenure of Apapa and three others, urging the party to address the constitutional defects to ensure legality and transparency.
Despite attempts to reach Comrade Lamidi Apapa for comment, there was no response received. The Labour Party had previously selected Barr. Olumide Akpata as its candidate to represent them in the September elections.
In conclusion, the Labour Party has distanced itself from the controversial letter sent to INEC and is calling for transparency and adherence to proper procedures in the selection of candidates for the upcoming elections in Edo State. With conflicting claims and internal disputes, it remains uncertain who will ultimately represent the Labour Party in the gubernatorial race.
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