Segun Ayinde, Abeokuta
The Labour Party (LP) in Ogun State has called for the immediate cancellation of the November 16 Local Government Election, accusing the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) of overseeing a flawed process marked by rigging, delayed electoral materials, and the brutalization of party agents and members.
The LP has threatened protests or legal action if the election results are not annulled and a new date set for a fair election.
At a press conference in Abeokuta, the party’s State Legal Adviser, Mr. Oluwafemi Ibiayo, condemned the election process as a “complete charade.”
He insisted, “This election is null and void. The delay in the arrival of materials disenfranchised the people. We will not give credibility to any results announced.”
Ibiayo demanded that OGSIEC declare the election results invalid and reschedule the election.
“We will reject the purported announcement of results. This election is a violation of the electoral laws, and we will challenge it in court or through protest.”
Echoing these sentiments, LP Chairman Engr. Lookman Jagun accused OGSIEC and Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration of conspiring to rig the election in favor of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“The election was a sham,” Jagun stated, revealing that opposition party agents and voters were physically assaulted and chased away by APC thugs.
Jagun further criticized OGSIEC for failing to deliver election materials on time, leaving many supporters disenfranchised.
He also highlighted remarks made by Governor Abiodun, who had claimed that the opposition was “invincible” and the APC would “sweep” the polls.
“We call on OGSIEC to cancel the entire election for violating Ogun State’s electoral guidelines,” Jagun added. “If they fail, we will reject any results and take legal action.”
The Labour Party’s accusations have sparked outrage, with the party vowing to continue its fight for a fair electoral process in Ogun State.
The outcome of this dispute now hinges on OGSIEC’s response and the possible intervention of the courts.