Labour Party in Edo state has Decried the Inconclusive House of Assembly Election
The Edo State chapter of the Labour Party (LP) has expressed its dissatisfaction with the outcome of the House of Assembly election held on March 18, 2023. The party alleged that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) compromised the election in areas where it had strong support.
Kelly Ogbaloi, the State Chairman of the party, made this known during a press briefing in Benin City. According to him, the election was marred by low turnout, gross irregularities, and the involvement of life-threatening political thugs.
As at the time of this report, the full results of the election had not been released by INEC. However, field reports gathered indicated that some areas have been declared inconclusive while there could be possible re-run elections in other areas.
Ogbaloi, alongside other party leaders, including the newly elected House of Representatives member for Oredo federal constituency, Esosa Iyawe, stated that the election results announced were of concern to the party, as the LP had records of manipulated election results in the state. He also condemned the atrocities committed by agents and thugs loyal to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at ward 4 in Egor and other areas of Oredo Local Government Areas.
The LP expressed displeasure at the declaration of the election results as inconclusive in areas where the party had a significant lead. Ogbaloi stressed that the party would not relent in challenging INEC and others involved to ensure that the mandate is freely given to the LP by the people.
