Kehinde Fajobi
As the November 16 governorship election in Ondo State approaches, the Labour Party (LP) and its candidate, Chief Olusola Ebiseni, have voiced their strong disapproval over being excluded from a gubernatorial candidates’ debate hosted by Channels Television.
The debate, scheduled for Sunday, November 3, has only invited two candidates: Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Chief Agboola Ajayi of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Prince Olu Johnson Egbodofo, Director of Publicity for the LP campaign, issued a statement in Akure, describing the exclusion as an “orchestrated perversion of the will of the people of Ondo State.”
He asserted, “We want to make it known that our party and candidates are prepared for this debate.”
The LP’s statement highlighted that they were aware of an advertisement by Channels Television promoting the debate exclusively for the APC and PDP candidates, which it incorrectly labelled as “the two leading candidates.”
Ebiseni and other LP officials contacted Channels Television and debate anchor Seun Okinbaloye, urging fair coverage for all major candidates.
Ebiseni was reportedly assured by Okinbaloye that the issue would be addressed; however, as the debate approached, no changes were made, prompting the LP to consider legal and public actions.
Egbodofo pointed out that in previous gubernatorial debates held by Channels in 2012, 2016, and 2020, no candidate had been excluded based on arbitrary criteria such as “leading candidates,” which he described as manipulative and unrepresentative of the political landscape.
He stated, “For clarity, the Labour Party is the first political party since 1999 to have governed Ondo State for two terms, from 2009 to 2017, during which our governorship candidate, Chief Olusola Ebiseni, and his running mate, Adedayo Awude, served as commissioners.”
The statement further emphasised LP’s significance as a political force in Ondo State, being the immediate predecessor to the current APC administration and one of Nigeria’s largest parties.
Egbodofo cited the state’s tradition of electing leaders based on intellectual capability and political experience, mentioning notable past governors such as Adekunle Ajasin, Bamidele Olumumilua, and Olusegun Mimiko.
Egbodofo concluded, “We are ready for the debate, even at this late stage,” urging Channels Television to reconsider its stance to uphold the democratic process.
He stated, “If Channels cannot ensure fair representation, it should put this debate on hold to maintain its reputation.”