The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has distanced itself from the Labour Party (LP) National Convention held in Nnewi, Anambra state on Wednesday, March 27.
According to sources in INEC, the electoral body was not involved in the convention so cannot recognize it. The embattled chairman of the party, Julius Abure, was re-elected as chairman of the party during the Nnewi convention.
Speaking to newsmen before the convention, the LP National Legal Adviser, Kehinde Edun, claimed the party executive had duly informed INEC about the change in venue and date.
“No, it is holding in Anambra. Nnewi to be precise, not Umuahia in Abia State again. In fact, 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 the time” Edun said.
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, and other governing bodies or nominating candidates.