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| Labour Party |
The Labour Party (LP) in Oyo State has raised an alarm over the exclusion of its candidate from the list of contestants for the upcoming Ibadan North Federal Constituency bye-election scheduled for August 16.
State Chairman Sadiq Atayese revealed that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) failed to include the party’s nominee, sparking outrage and legal action.
Speaking to journalists in Ibadan, Atayese expressed frustration over the omission, stating that it has damaged voters' perception of the party’s participation. He emphasized that the development has disrupted the LP’s campaign strategies and overall preparation for the crucial by-election.
The party has filed a lawsuit to compel INEC to include its candidate’s name on the ballot. Atayese confirmed that they are awaiting a court date for the first hearing. Additionally, LP members staged a peaceful protest at the INEC office, demanding an explanation for the omission.
Atayese questioned whether the exclusion was a deliberate move by political opponents or simply a technical error. Despite repeated inquiries, INEC has yet to provide clarity, leaving the party and its supporters in limbo.
The Ibadan North Federal Constituency seat became vacant following the death of Hon. Olaide Akinremi, a two-term lawmaker under the All Progressives Congress (APC), who passed away in July 2024 at the age of 51.
(NAN)