The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has distanced itself from Wednesday's Labour Party (LP) National Convention held in Anambra.
Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, made this clear in a conversation with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Thursday.
Oyekanmi emphasized that INEC did not monitor the conduct of the convention, although he refrained from elaborating on the reasons behind this decision.
However, despite INEC's disavowal, the LP proceeded with its convention, shifting the venue from Umuahia in Abia to Nnewi, Anambra State, as reported by NAN.
Explaining the change in venue, Mr. Kehinde Edun, the LP National Legal Adviser, informed the press that the party had duly notified INEC about the change in both venue and date.
Edun clarified, "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."
According to Section 82(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, political parties are mandated to provide INEC with at least 21 days' notice of any convention, congress, conference, or meeting. This requirement extends to conventions or meetings convened for the purpose of "merger" and for electing members of executive committees, other governing bodies, or nominating candidates.
The situation raises questions about the adherence to electoral laws and the relationship between political parties and electoral bodies. It also underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in the electoral process, ensuring that conventions and meetings are conducted within the framework of the law.
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