The Independent National Electoral Commission —INEC has disowned Wednesday’s Labour Party —LP National Convention in Anambra State.
Rotimi Oyekanmi, the Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman, had announced this when he spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria —NAN in Abuja on Thursday.
According to Oyekanmi, the conduct of the convention was not monitored by INEC, and he had declined to state further why it was not monitored.
NAN had however, reported that the Labour Party had on Tuesday, moved the convention from Umuahia in Abia State to Nnewi, Anambra State.
Mr Kehinde Edun, the LP National Legal Adviser, who spoke about the change in venue told newsmen that the party had aptly informed INEC about the change in venue and date.
In his words:
“Umuahia was not even the first venue we chose. Benin was the first choice before we changed to Umuahia and now Nnewi. So, we are at liberty to pick any venue of our choice. We only need to inform INEC about the change in venue and time,” Edun said.
Meanwhile, Section 82(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022 states that political parties shall give INEC at least 21 days notice of convention, congress, conference or meeting.
This includes the convention or meeting convened for the purpose of “merger” and electing members of its executive committees, other governing bodies or nominating candidates.
