The National Working Committee (LP) of the Labor Party, led by Julius Abre, has alleged that Governor Alex Otti tampered with the selection of candidates for the November 2 local government elections in Abia State.
The commission made this assertion in a statement titled “Ensuring the Integrity of Local Government Elections in Abia State” released by the National Publicity Secretary of the LP, Obiola Ifor, in Abuja on Thursday.
The warning came just 24 hours after Abia factions loyal to the governor rejected a committee set up by Mr. Habre to oversee the emergence of candidates contesting the various parliamentary elections in the state.
The committee, which is chaired by former LP chairman, Mr. Sikei Igala, also includes the Secretary of State, Mr. Andrew Ohiagba, as a member.
They warned the governor to distance himself from the electoral process and give free rein to the party to conduct its affairs.
Mr. Ifor condemned Mr. Otti’s actions, saying it was an intervention that forced the Supreme Court to grant local government autonomy in the first place.
According to him, local councils should be catalysts for grassroots development, growth and change.
He said: “On this basis, the Labor Party strongly condemns and expresses deep concern over how the upcoming local government elections in Abia State will be handled under the leadership of His Excellency Governor Alex Otti.” said. We must be vigilant to ensure that the electoral process is free from interference and manipulation by those in power. We respectfully call on Governor Otti to lead by example and use Abia State as a beacon of democratic principles in Nigeria.
“We must say unequivocally that the Labor Party demands the freedom to hold primaries without interference. Grassroots party members in Abia State are free to choose their candidates through a transparent and democratic process. It is essential to be able to do so.”
The group maintained that those chosen to contest for office, whether by appointment or election, must reflect the party’s ideals of integrity, accountability and commitment to public service.
“While we acknowledge the leadership of His Excellency Governor Alex Otti, we cannot in good faith overlook the potential for abuse of power that has characterized local government elections in many states across Nigeria.
“Furthermore, as a leader who came to power with the united support of his people, we expect Otti to uphold the principles that inspired him to take office. He does not seek to undermine the process. “We must resist the temptation and instead use this election as a model for others to emulate,” the statement added.
