- Safiu Kehinde
Labour Party has condemned the interference of Abia state governor, Alex Otti, in the selection of the party’s candidates ahead of the November 2nd local government election.
This was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the Labour Party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh.
According to the statement, Labour Party condemns and expresses deep concern over the manner in which Alex Otti is handling the affairs of the election.
While establishing the party’s advocacy for justice, equity, and protection of democratic principles, LP demanded the freedom to organize its primaries without interference.
They accused Otti of abuse of power while warning him against manipulating electoral outcomes.
The statement read in part; “It is on this foundation that the Labour Party strongly condemns and expresses deep concern over the manner in which the upcoming local government elections in Abia State are being handled under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Alex Otti.
“We must be vigilant to ensure that the electoral process is conducted in a fair, transparent, and democratic manner, free from interference or manipulation by those in power.
“The local government elections offer a critical opportunity to restore trust in governance and allow for true representation of the people’s interests.
“We must state unequivocally that the Labour Party demands the freedom to organize its primaries without interference.
“It is essential that the party’s grassroots members in Abia State be allowed to freely choose their candidates through a transparent and democratic process.
“Only through such a process can we guarantee that competent and capable party members emerge as candidates, representing the true will of the people.
“Over the past months, the Labour Party has continuously advocated for justice, equity, and the protection of democratic principles. We have called for the upholding of democratic standards, not just at the national level, but also at the local government level.
“We insist that those selected to contest for positions, whether through appointments or elections, must reflect the party’s ideals of integrity, accountability, and commitment to public service.
While we acknowledge the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Alex Otti, we cannot, in good faith, overlook the potential for abuse of power that has characterized local government elections in many states across Nigeria.
“It is a troubling trend for state governments to skew local elections in favor of the ruling party, thereby subverting the democratic will of the people.
We sincerely hope that Governor Otti, who himself rose to prominence through a mandate built on the people’s trust, will not follow in the footsteps of others who have used their position to manipulate electoral outcomes.”
Meanwhile, Labour Party urged Otti to give room for free, fair, and credible electoral process in Abia state.