By Rafiyat Sadiq
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the disqualification of the Labour Party from participating in the forthcoming National Assembly by-elections in Edo State, citing failure to comply with electoral guidelines.
The by-elections, scheduled for next week, will fill vacant positions in the Edo Central Senatorial District and Ovia Federal Constituency. The vacancies followed the election of Senator Monday Okpebholo and Hon. Dennis Idahosa as governor and deputy governor of the state.
Speaking at a press conference in Benin City, the Edo State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Professor Anugbum Onuoha, said the Labour Party neither notified INEC of its intention to contest nor had its primary election monitored by the commission.
“From our records, the Labour Party and some other parties neither invited us to observe their primaries nor complied with the necessary procedures,” he said. “In some instances, we arrived at the supposed venues, but they were locked, and no activity took place.”
READ ALSO: INEC Fixes Aug 16 for Bye-Elections, Reopens Voter Register
This statement contradicts claims made by the Labour Party that it had nominated Paul Okojie as its candidate for the Edo Central senatorial seat.
Nine Parties Cleared for Contest
INEC confirmed that nine political parties met all requirements and will appear on the ballot. They include Action Alliance (AA), African Democratic Congress (ADC), All Progressives Congress (APC), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Democratic Party (ADP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Zenith Labour Party (ZLP)
INEC Assures Readiness
Professor Onuoha gave assurances of INEC’s preparedness for a credible electoral process. He disclosed that all non-sensitive materials had been deployed, while the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices have been fully configured for use.
He also noted that, out of the 719,504 registered voters in the seven local government areas where the by-elections will take place, 101,617 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) remain uncollected.
PDP’s Call for REC’s Redeployment Dismissed
In response to the Peoples Democratic Party’s call for his redeployment, Onuoha dismissed the concerns and urged stakeholders, especially the media, to support INEC’s efforts.
“Even if your relative is appointed to INEC, he cannot compromise the system. The structure of the commission makes that impossible,” he stated.
The by-elections are expected to be closely watched as they mark the first major test of the electoral comm
mission’s readiness since the last general elections.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
