By Mercy Akuba
The leadership of Labour Party in Edo State has disclosed that the Party Congress holds at the Ward Secretariat in the 192 wards across the State today.
This was disclosed in a Press Release signed by the State Publicity Secretary, Sam Uroupa in Benin City.
The statement also dismissed Barr. Olumide Akpata’s claim in a letter directed to INEC alleging non readiness of the Party in conducting the Ward Congress today.
The Party pointed out that guidelines and schedules for the Congress and Primaries were issued “It was explicitly mentioned that the Congress would convene at the headquarters of the 192 Wards across the State with time and dates”.
“This information alone adequately informs Aspirants, delegates and Party Members about the designated venue for the Congress, also the Independent National Electoral Commissioner,(INEC) Edo State chapter was fully communicated via letter”
“Our Party has been organizing series of Stakeholders meetings to inform them about the strategies and activities scheduled for the Congress and Primaries. Sessions were conducted with Aspirants from Edo Central on the 18th of January Edo South on 22nd of January, and Edo North Senatorial District on 23rd January respectively to update them on the forthcoming plans for both the Congress and Primaries
The statement further noted that contrary to Olumide Akpata’s claim, the Party had earlier written to Security Agencies in the State on the 17th of February ahead of the Party Congress in a letter dated 17th February, 2024 with Ref. No.LP/ESO/CP.ED/320 addressed to the Commissioner of Police
The Statement further stated that in accordance with the electoral guidelines, the Party had set up screening Committee that screened the delegates that will participate in the Party’s primary as the screening report is already in the various LGA.
“Olumide Akpata’s claim that the lack of information and transparency regarding the primary election process resulted in a mass departure of Aspirants from the party is unfounded. This is because those who withdrew or abandoned their supposed ambition were not not officially recognized as LP Aspirants”
“Aspirants are individuals who have successfully purchased both the expression of interest and nomination forms as opposed to those who merely expressed interest without completing the purchase of forms”.
The Party Leadership further added that ahead of the 24th February Primary Election, there is no going back in the promise to bequeath a transparent and credible process that will birth the flag bearer in the Governorship Race .
“The Party is determined to steer clear of the recurring errors seen in the APC and PDP, which have hindered the country’s progress and perpetuated poor governance.”
” Under this leadership, the Labour Party is at the forefront of advocating for electoral reform in Nigeria to establish a framework for transparent, equitable and trustworthy proceeds in electing political office holders”.
Can you be more specific about the content of your article? After reading it, I still have some doubts. Hope you can help me.