In the lead-up to the September 21st, 2024, local government elections in Enugu State, the Labour Party (LP) in Oji-River Local Government Area (LGA) has expressed gratitude to the Enugu State Government for its efforts in ensuring a free and fair electoral process but also raised serious concerns regarding potential malpractice.
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In a press statement signed by the Chairman of the Labour Party in Oji-River, Dr. McGinger Nonso Ibeneme, the party commended Governor Peter Mbah for the signing of the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) Bill and the funding of the electoral process.
These actions, they noted, reflect a strong commitment to democracy and electoral transparency.
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However, Dr. Ibeneme raised concerns regarding the political affiliations of the Returning Officer and the Electoral Officer appointed for Oji-River LGA.
The Labour Party claimed that these officers are card-carrying members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), which could compromise their impartiality in the election.
While acknowledging this concern, the Labour Party expressed optimism that the officers would carry out their duties with integrity, in line with the ENSIEC law.
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More troubling for the Labour Party are allegations of a plot by certain PDP members to undermine the election.
According to the statement, these individuals are reportedly planning to hijack sensitive electoral materials and ensure that the official result sheets are not distributed to all 20 Wards and 175 Polling Units in the LGA.
Dr. Ibeneme called on ENSIEC to address these concerns and ensure transparency in the distribution of electoral materials.
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Additionally, the Labour Party raised an issue regarding the relocation of a polling unit named Cattle Market Nomadic School II (14-14-05-011), located in Ugwuoba Ward I. The party claimed that this polling unit was unlawfully moved to a private property during the last general election.
The party has petitioned ENSIEC to restore the polling unit to its original location at the Cattle Market to avoid any legal infractions.
In light of these concerns, the Labour Party emphasized the need for vigilance and called on ENSIEC to ensure the proper deployment of election materials.
Party agents, the statement said, will carefully audit the election materials at various locations to prevent irregularities.
Dr. Ibeneme also appealed to security agencies, including the Nigerian Police Force, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Nigerian Army in Oji-River, to act professionally and ensure that the election is peaceful and transparent.
The Labour Party reaffirmed its commitment to upholding electoral rules and called for a free, fair, and credible election that reflects the will of the people of Oji-River.
