INEC Distances Self From LP’s Anambra Convention

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has distanced itself from the Labour Party (LP) National Convention held on Wednesday in Anambra

Mr Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman, said this when he spoke with newsmen in Abuja on Thursday.

Oyekanmi specifically noted that the conduct of the convention was not monitored by INEC, declining to state further why it was not monitored.

It was recalled that the LP had on Tuesday shifted the convention from Umuahia in Abia to Nnewi, Anambra State.

Speaking on the change in venue, Mr Kehinde Edun, the LP National Legal Adviser, told newsmen that the party had duly informed INEC about the change in venue and date.

“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 the time,” Edun said.

It is understood that section 82(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022 stipulates that political parties shall give INEC at least 21 days’ notice of convention, congress, conference or meeting.

This includes the convention or meeting convened for the purpose of “merger” and electing members of its executive committees, other governing bodies or nominating candidates.