By Demands Scrapping of SIEC
The Comrade Julious Abure-led Labour Party (LP) has unequivocally rejected the results of the Edo State Local Government Election that transpired on a fateful Saturday, as announced by the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC). This contentious election has sparked a maelstrom of controversy, with LP vehemently condemning the entire electoral process. In a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, in the nation’s capital, Abuja, on a somber Sunday, the LP described the event as yet another lamentable testimony of how low a state government can stoop in its desperate attempts to tarnish the sanctity of democracy.
Democracy at Stake
Demands Scrapping of SIEC
Comrade Abure, a fervent advocate for the sanctity of the electoral process, emphasized that the very essence of democracy hinges upon the principle that the authorities must ensure that the voice of the people is not only heard but duly counted and respected. He articulated the LP’s grave concerns regarding the election, citing reports from their agents across numerous polling units in the state. These reports substantiated deliberate efforts by the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission to frustrate voters. This was achieved either by ensuring that electoral officers arrived late at polling units or, in some instances, failed to show up altogether.
Ballot Paper Scarcity and Result Sheet Absence
Demands Scrapping of SIEC
In a shocking revelation, Comrade Abure disclosed that in the few places where the election managed to proceed, there were insufficient ballot papers provided. To compound matters, there was an inexplicable absence of a single result sheet. However, the most astonishing revelation was that, despite these glaring inadequacies, results were inexplicably churned out, with the candidates of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) emerging as the victors.
Pre-Election Revelations
Demands Scrapping of SIEC
Before the election even commenced, credible sources had conveyed information to the LP that the state government had no intention of conducting a fair and credible election. It was alleged that the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission had simply taken instructions from the government house and proceeded to announce a list of pre-determined winners. This disheartening revelation prompted Comrade Abure to assert that the events in Edo state were nothing short of a mockery of democracy. He stressed that such blatant subversion of the democratic process must not be allowed to stand unchallenged.
A Call for Accountability
Demands Scrapping of SIEC
In the wake of this controversial election, the Labour Party vociferously called upon the state government to publicly denounce the charade that unfolded on that fateful Saturday. They further demanded the annulment of the election results and the immediate scheduling of a fresh and credible election.
Comrade Abure articulated a broader concern shared by many Nigerians. He pointed out that State Independent Electoral Commissions across the country have consistently failed in their role of nurturing and fostering democracy. Instead of being impartial and independent entities, they have become mere extensions of state governments. This has significantly undermined the integrity of the electoral process at the grassroots level.
The Way Forward
Demands Scrapping of SIEC
To address this alarming state of affairs, the Labour Party has urged the National Assembly to consider the abolition of State Independent Electoral Commissions altogether. They propose transferring the responsibility for conducting local government elections to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which has a proven track record of managing elections at the national level with relative transparency and credibility.
A Plea for Democracy
Demands Scrapping of SIEC
In conclusion, the Labour Party has sounded a clarion call for change. The State Independent Electoral Commissions, as they currently exist, have become a blight on Nigeria’s democratic landscape. Their lack of impartiality and independence has severely compromised the democratic process. It is high time for a radical overhaul of the system to restore faith in grassroots politics and ensure that the voice of the people is genuinely heard and respected.
As we reflect on the events that unfolded in Edo State, it becomes apparent that the fight for democracy is an ongoing one. The LP’s unwavering commitment to upholding the principles of democracy serves as a reminder that the quest for a fair and transparent electoral process is a cause worth championing.
