A Nigerian lawmaker has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of playing a role in destabilizing the Labour Party. Afam Ogene, a member of the House of Representatives, made this allegation during an interview on Channels Television’s ‘Politics Today’ program. He suggested that INEC’s delay in recognizing the party’s legitimate leadership contributed to the instability.
According to Ogene, the Labour Party’s stakeholders had established an interim National Executive Council in September 2024, led by Senator Nenadi Usman. However, it took INEC over a year to acknowledge Nenadi Usman as the party’s chairman. Ogene questioned the reason behind this delay, implying that INEC’s inaction was a factor in the party’s instability.
The Labour Party has experienced internal conflicts and power struggles, which have affected its operations. The party’s former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, had left the party, and his departure seemed to have triggered a series of events that led to the current leadership crisis. Ogene’s allegation against INEC highlights the electoral body’s role in ensuring the integrity of political parties and the democratic process.
The accusation comes at a time when Nigeria is preparing for future elections, and the integrity of the electoral process is under scrutiny. The Labour Party, as one of the major political parties in the country, is expected to play a significant role in the elections. However, its internal conflicts and leadership crisis may impact its performance and ability to participate effectively in the electoral process.
The INEC has a responsibility to ensure that all political parties operate within the framework of the law and the constitution. The electoral body’s actions, or inactions, can have significant consequences for the political parties and the democratic process as a whole. As Nigeria moves forward with its electoral cycle, the role of INEC in maintaining the integrity of the process will be closely watched by stakeholders and the international community.
