Labour Party Praises INEC, Criticizes Peter Obi for Divisive Actions in Edo
The Labour Party’s national leadership has lauded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for what it characterized as a free, fair, and peaceful election in Edo State. The party also congratulated the newly elected Governor of Edo, Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC), for his well-earned victory in the recent gubernatorial race.
In a statement from Dr. Abayomi Arabambi, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, the Labour Party dismissed critiques aimed at INEC by those who labeled the election as flawed. Arabambi asserted that critics are repeating past mistakes by failing to acknowledge the integrity of the electoral process.
The statement emphasized, “INEC’s actions should be respected. Politicians often claim the process is flawed when results don’t go their way, yet justify questionable practices when they do.” This response came after comments from Peter Obi, the party’s former presidential candidate, and his ally, Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, who expressed dissatisfaction with the election results.
The Labour Party accused Obi and Otti of being misleading and power-hungry, arguing that their actions contributed to the party’s lack of success in the Edo elections. They criticized Obi for supporting Labour’s candidate, Olumide Akpata, despite the prevailing political sentiments in Edo, which favored a candidate from Edo Central. Instead, they noted that Akpata hails from Edo South, the same region as the outgoing governor, Godwin Obaseki.
Arabambi also took issue with Obi’s comments regarding INEC’s use of electoral technology, calling them unfortunate and divisive. Obi had cautioned that improper use of technologies like IReV and BVAS could lead to societal repercussions. The Labour Party rebutted this, labeling such remarks as disrespectful to the people of Edo, who sought fairness in the election.
The Labour Party pointed out that Akpata not only lost to the APC but also to the PDP in his own polling unit, highlighting a lack of effective strategy in the campaign. Okpebholo received 291,667 votes, while the PDP’s Asue Ighodalo garnered 247,274, leaving Akpata with a mere 22,763 votes, which the party termed “scandalous.”
Additionally, the statement refuted Akpata’s claims that the election was swayed by financial influence, asserting that he himself had engaged in dubious practices, including distributing $1,000 to delegates to secure the Labour Party’s nomination. “It’s unfortunate that those with more financial resources have outmatched him, and yet he continues to complain,” the party remarked.
In closing, the Labour Party reiterated its support for INEC and praised the commission for effectively managing the Edo election. They called on Peter Obi to apologize to the party’s National Chairman, Barrister Julius Abure, and National Secretary, Alhaji Farouk Umar Ibrahim, for what they termed his divisive actions.
Dr. Abayomi Arabambi, recently recognized as the Most Peaceful Political Personality of the Year 2023, concluded the statement by urging unity within the party and encouraging Edo citizens to support their new governor.
