The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has disclaimed the Labour Party National Convention that took place in Anambra State on Wednesday.
According to the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, who spoke to NAN, the convention was not observed by INEC, and he declined to provide further details on why this was the case.
The LP had initially planned to hold the convention in Umuahia, Abia State but later relocated it to Nnewi, Anambra State. Kehinde Edun, the LP National Legal Adviser, informed journalists that INEC had been duly notified about the change in venue and date.
“No, it is holding in Anambra. Nnewi to be precise, not Umuahia in Abia State again. In fact, Umuahia was not even the first venue we chose. Benin City was the first choice before we changed to Umuahia and now Nnewi.
“So, we are at liberty to pick any venue of our choice. We only need to inform INEC about the change in venue and the time,” Mr Edun said.
Section 82(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022 which states that political parties shall give INEC at least 21 days notice of convention, congress, conference or meeting.
This includes the convention or meeting convened for the purpose of “merger” and electing members of its executive committees, other governing bodies or nominating candidates.
Meanwhile, the convention reelected Julius Abure as its National Chairman despite the controversies and the call to resign by the Nigeria Labour Congress led by Comrade Joe Ajaero over allegation of corruption.
The party also reserved 2027 presidential ticket for Peter Obi and the following persons as National office holders of the party.
2. Deputy National Chairman – Mr. Clement Ojukwu.
3. Deputy National Chairman – Dr. Ayo Olunrufemi.
4. Deputy National Chairman (NLC) – Vacant
5. Deputy National Chairman (TUC) – Vacant.
6. Deputy National Chairman (North East) – Esther Gulmu.
7. National Vice Chairman (North Central) – Abraham Idoko.
8. National Vice Chairman (South East) – Ceekay Igara.
9. National Vice Chairman (South South) – Anthony C. Ezeagwu).
10. National Secretary – Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim.
11. Deputy National Secretary – Rotimi Kehinde Adekunle.
12. Deputy National Secretary – Innocent Okeke.
13. National Treasurer – Mrs Ngozi Doga.
14. National Financial Secretary – Dayo Ekong.
15. National Publicity Secretary – Mr. Ifoh Obiora
16. National Organizing Secretary – Comrade Yahuza Ahmed.
17. National Legal Adviser – Barr. Kehinde Edun.
18 National Women Leader – Mrs Dudu Manuga.
19. National Youth Leader – Prince Kennedy Ihanotu.
20. Assistant National Youth Leader (North West) – Abdulrahman Chindo.
21 Assistant National Youth Leader (South South) – Barry Auotu.
