The Deputy National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), Ayo Olorunfemi, has recently leveled serious accusations against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), claiming that the electoral body is intentionally creating confusion and exacerbating the party’s ongoing leadership crisis. According to Olorunfemi, INEC's actions are deliberately causing disruption within the Labour Party.
In a discussion on Channels Television’s morning programme, The Morning Brief, Olorunfemi alleged that INEC is meddling in the internal affairs of the Labour Party. He criticized the commission for allegedly overstepping its bounds and contributing to the party's internal turmoil. He stated, “Assuming the tenure of the NWC has expired, it is not in their (INEC) duty to conduct. It is still the same person whose tenure has expired that would convey the meeting in line with the constitution of the party. So, they (INEC) are here to make trouble, they are here to create confusion.”
Olorunfemi also brought to light that the Labour Party had formally invited INEC to its national convention but received no response from the electoral body. He argued that INEC’s lack of response was interpreted as tacit approval for the event to proceed. He explained, “The letter was written even before the 21 days set to submit and of course, Justice Omotosho already confirmed that the 21-day notice was in line with the provision of the Electoral Act.”
Olorunfemi further elaborated on the situation, stating, “If that notice was not acceptable, INEC has the responsibility to respond to the party and give reasons why we can’t hold the elections but INEC did not say anything and of course, silence means go ahead.” His comments come in the wake of INEC’s recent criticisms of the Labour Party, accusing it of failing to adhere to the Electoral Act during its national convention held in Nnewi, Anambra State, in March 2024.
The controversy surrounding the Labour Party’s convention continues despite previous clarifications from Peter Obi, the party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections. Obi had previously stated that Julius Abure’s removal as national chairman was conducted according to the party’s constitution and was not an individual decision.
Olorunfemi emphasized that the Labour Party has taken legal measures to address the ongoing issues. He noted, “We are in court, we had to go to court when we were hearing this rumour and when we weren’t allowed to participate. When we took them to court, all they said was our national convention did not follow the Electoral Act. How? Why? They couldn’t explain,” he concluded.