Edo LG Election: Labour Party Calls On EDSIEC To Withdraw Certificate Of Returns From PDP Candidates
By Simeon OSAJIE
Edo State chapter of the Labour Party (LP) has rejected the outcome of the local government election held on the 2nd of September, 2023 across the 18 local government area of the state and therefore called on the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) to withdraw Certificate of Returns issued to all the 18 candidates of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The State Chairman of the party, Comrade Kelly Ogbaloi stated this in a protest to the secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, (NUJ), Edo State Council in Benin City.
The protesters who are members and loyalists of labour party in the state who turned out in their numbers carried placards with different inscriptions such as “Save Our Democracy”, “Give Us The Result Sheet”, “WeReject The Result From EDSIEC”, “There Was No LGA Election”, among others.
Comrade Ogbaloi expressed disappointment over the conduct of the council election which was held on the 2nd of September, 2023 by the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission, chaired by Honourable Justice James Oyomire.
He alleged that the electoral process was marred by violence, non-availability of EDSIEC staff and voting materials, use of vigilante groups to perpetuate violence, release of voting results in units and wards in favour of PDP.
Comrade Ogbaloi said since the election was held, no tribunal has been set up by Edo State government for aggrieved members to seek redress.
On his part, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Edo State Council, Comrade Festus Alenkhe assured the protesters of wide publicity of the grievances and urged members of the press to balance their report by hearing from the other parties involved.
When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Commission, Mr. Albert said there was nothing he could say as at press time but he would consult the Chairman of the Commission and give feedback.
