LP Chairman’s Bold Claims Against INEC Over 2023 Elections
Julius Abure, the National Chairman of the Labour Party, criticized the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for mishandling the 2023 general elections. During a Democracy Day event in Abuja, he expressed disappointment with INEC’s conduct, particularly in the presidential election where Bola Tinubu from the All Progressives Congress was declared the winner.
Abure likened the situation to the 1993 military regime that annulled elections and emphasized the need for comprehensive electoral reforms to educate party members in preparation for the 2027 elections. He urged for a thorough review and improvement of the election process to ensure better outcomes.
Dr. Sam Amadi, a former Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, also called for an investigation into how INEC spent the N400bn allocated for the election. Speaking at the same event, Amadi stressed that the probe should explain why the 2023 election failed to meet expectations despite the substantial budget. He urged the National Assembly to scrutinize INEC’s expenditure and the failure of the INEC server during the presidential election.
Amadi also highlighted the importance of changing the process for appointing the INEC Chairman, suggesting that the presidency’s involvement could lead to biased outcomes. He encouraged lawmakers to reject this inconsistency to prevent election rigging in future elections.
Additionally, Victor Oghene, Leader of the LP Representatives caucus, assured that the ongoing electoral reform, which has passed the second reading in the lower chamber, would be enacted in time for the 2027 elections. Meanwhile, Martins Egbanubi of the Trade Union Congress Political Commission dismissed rumors of division within the Labour Party, affirming its unity and strength.
In March 2024, Abure noted that Nigeria’s current challenges are partly due to the choices made by voters in the last general elections, emphasizing the need for both leaders and followers to take responsibility for the country’s situation.
