The Edo State chapter of Labour Party (LP) has faulted the final list published by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in which the deputy governorship candidate was listed as Oluyinka Faith Alufohai rather than LP validly nominated running mate, Alhaji Asamah Yusuf Kadiri, (SAN).
It will be recalled that on the 19th of April, 2024, Labour Party governorship candidate, Olumide Akpata reportedly dropped Oluyinka Faith Alufohai and picked Alhaji Asamah Yusuf Kadiri, SAN as the deputy governorship candidate of the party.
The state chairman of the party, Comrade Kelly Ogbaloi, in a press statement issued on Monday, assured party members and supporters that the issue surrounding the released INEC final list “is simply a technical error.”
The statement read, “The Labour Party Edo State Chapter wishes to directly address the issue regarding the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (“INEC”) final candidate list for the Edo State Gubernatorial Elections, published earlier today, Monday, April 22, 2024.
“While our gubernatorial candidate Olumide Akpata’s name is correctly listed, the deputy governorship candidate is listed as Oluyinka Faith Alufohai rather than our validly nominated running mate, Alhaji Asamah Yusuf Kadiri, SAN.
“We want to assure our party members and supporters that this is simply a technical error. Our team followed all necessary procedures and submitted Alhaji Kadiri’s name and credentials as the deputy governorship candidate, well within INEC’s stipulated window.
“Unfortunately, a technical glitch occurred at the end of the National Headquarters of our party during the submission process, resulting in the incorrect name appearing on the final list.
“We are currently actively engaged with INEC officials to rectify this issue immediately and our team has provided all requisite documentation demonstrating Alhaji Kadiri’s valid nomination. We have been following-up with INEC diligently, to ensure it updates its candidate list with the accurate information.
“We recognise the anxiety this error may cause, but urge our supporters to remain calm and steadfast in their commitment to our party’s vision. Your unwavering support and activism have been invaluable thus far, and we need you to continue spreading awareness of our platform and championing the positive change we represent.
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“The Labour Party is determined to contest the forthcoming September 21, 2024, Edo State Governorship elections fairly and transparently. We should not allow this minor administrative hurdle to dampen our confidence or impede our momentum.
“Together, we shall overcome any obstacle, minor or major, as we continue our march towards restoring Edo State to its pride of place nationally.”