In a shocking turn of events, the Labour Party (LP) has raised an alarm, accusing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of collaborating with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to frustrate the appeal of Hon. Amobi Ogah, the member representing the Isikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Abia State. The LP has expressed concerns over the alleged actions of INEC, claiming that it is working against the interests of justice and democracy.
The controversy surrounding Hon. Amobi Ogah’s seat began when he was declared the winner of the February 25 election but was later sacked by the National Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal in Umuahia on September 29. Undeterred by the ruling, Ogah filed an appeal at the Appellate Court, seeking to overturn the decision.
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However, the hearing of the appeal hit a roadblock on Thursday when a dramatic incident unfolded at the Appeal Court in Lagos State. In an open letter addressed to the INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the LP’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, detailed the events that transpired in the courtroom, leading to the adjournment of the hearing.
According to the letter, the dispute arose when INEC, who is also a respondent in the case, unexpectedly changed its lawyer without prior notice. The LP opposed this sudden change, but to their dismay, some supporters of the ruling APC and a faction of the LP supported the decision, causing a squabble between the two legal counsels. The LP contends that this change was orchestrated by INEC and its collaborators to stall the proceedings and frustrate Ogah’s appeal.
The letter further revealed the presence of expelled members of the Labour Party, led by Lamidi Apapa, and some APC leaders at the venue of the Appeal Court. These individuals openly boasted about their intentions to influence the judgment in favor of their interests. They even attempted to hijack the legal representation of the Labour Party, adding to the growing concerns about the fairness and impartiality of the proceedings.
The LP’s open letter to INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, serves as a call to action. It urges the electoral commission to investigate the alleged collusion and take appropriate measures to sanction those responsible. The LP emphasizes that INEC’s role should be to defend the outcome of the election it conducted, wherein Hon. Amobi Ogah was declared the duly-elected candidate for the Isikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency in the National Assembly. The LP demands that INEC upholds its integrity and rejects any compromise that may tarnish its image.
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The LP’s concerns come at a critical time when Nigerians are still grappling with the aftermath of the controversial 2023 general elections. The LP believes that INEC has a responsibility to restore public faith in the electoral process and ensure that justice is served. By addressing the alleged misconduct within its legal department and holding accountable those involved, INEC can demonstrate its commitment to transparency and fairness.
In conclusion, the LP’s alarm over the alleged collaboration between INEC and the ruling APC to frustrate Hon. Amobi Ogah’s appeal highlights the importance of upholding the principles of justice and democracy. The LP’s open letter serves as a reminder that the integrity of the electoral process is paramount and should not be compromised. As Nigerians await the resolution of this matter, they hope that INEC will take swift action to investigate and rectify any wrongdoing, thereby restoring public trust in the electoral system.
