…By Dorcas Funmi for TDPel Media.
The Lamidi Apapa-led faction of the Labour Party (LP) has placed blame on the party’s National Chairman, Julius Abure, for a recent Federal High Court ruling that removed the Enugu State Governor-elect, Alex Otti, and all party candidates in Abia and Kano States.
The factional National Publicity Secretary, Abayomi Arabambi, alleges that Abure failed to timely submit the names of registered party members in Kano and Abia to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Failure to Submit Membership Register:
According to Arabambi, the LP’s failure to submit its membership register to INEC within the required 30-day period prior to their primaries invalidates the entire process.
He states that Abure and his associates withheld these names and did not comply with Section 72 of the Electoral Act, 2022 (as amended).
Allegations of Manipulation:
Arabambi further claims that while other political parties diligently met the deadline for submitting names of registered members, Abure and his group were engaging in unethical practices, swapping names of candidates in exchange for those who had won primaries in other parts of the country.
The recent court ruling in Kano, presided over by Justice M. N. Yunusa, supports these allegations and nullifies the candidature of Dr. Alex Otti and all Labour Party candidates in Abia and Kano.
Previous Warnings and Compliance:
Arabambi recalls voicing concerns in the past months regarding Abure’s actions, which he believed did not align with the provisions of the 2022 Electoral Act.
Non-compliance with the act, particularly in submitting the membership register within the designated timeframe, invalidates the entire election process.
Demand for Transparency:
Arabambi calls upon Abure to provide an explanation to Nigerians and Labour Party members worldwide regarding his motives during the relevant period.
He questions why a leader of a political party with considerable strength would knowingly prepare a group for defeat instead of success.
Arabambi suggests that Abure’s actions serve his own interests and those of his immediate family, using the Labour Party’s fortunes as a means to achieve personal gain.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings:
Arabambi concludes by stating that the FCT High Court has maintained the restraining order issued on April 5th, 2023, pending the appeal judgment.
This indicates that the legal battle surrounding the disputed candidates and the court’s decision is ongoing.
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