In a recent development, the Labor Party (LP) has raised concerns about being sidelined by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during the inspection of sensitive materials for the upcoming Edo State Governorship election.
The party through its director of strategy, George Udehen claims that it was not invited by INEC to join other political parties in the inspection of sensitive materials to be used for the election on Saturday, which is crucial for ensuring transparency and fairness in the electoral process.
Speaking to journalists in Benin City on the preparedness of the party, Udehen expressed the party’s disappointment with INEC’s handling of this pre-election actually.
According to him, INEC’s failure to invite the Labor party whether deliberately or not was unacceptable to the party.
Udehen also raised serious concerns over INEC’s refusal to make available tags for the party’s agents for the all of Ward 4, Ikpoba Okha Local government area. “We are deeply concerned about INEC’s lack of inclusivity in this process. This election is meant to reflect the will of the people, but how can we trust the process when a major political party like ours is being excluded from such a critical stage?” Udehen questioned.
The Labor Party’s allegations come as preparations for the Edo Governorship election intensify with less than 24 hours to the election.
INEC had supervised the inspection of sensitive materials, including ballot papers and result sheets, which is a critical step toward building confidence in the electoral process and the integrity of the commission to deliver free, fair and credible elections.
