The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disowned Wednesday’s Labour Party (LP) National Convention in Anambra.
Mr Rotimi Oyekanmi, the Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman, affirmed this statement in his conversation with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Thursday.
Oyekanmi emphasized, “the conduct of the convention was not monitored by INEC,” yet refrained from elaborating further on the reasons behind the lack of monitoring.
NAN, however, reports that the LP had on Tuesday shifted the convention from Umuahia in Abia to Nnewi, Anambra State.
Commenting on the change in venue, Mr Kehinde Edun, the LP National Legal Adviser, informed newsmen that the party 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 time,” Edun clarified.
According to Section 82(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, political parties shall give INEC at least 21 days notice of convention, congress, conference, or meeting.
This provision includes the convention or meeting convened for the purpose of “merger” and electing members of its executive committees, other governing bodies, or nominating candidates.
