The National Chairman of the Labour Party, LP, Julius Abure says a holistic electoral reforms is urgently needed in the country to prevent future election malpractice.
The LP boss said the party is prepared to lead the reform after what it experienced in the 2023 General Election, particularly the presidential election which its candidate, Peter Obi lost.
Recall that the party had blamed Obi’s loss, to incumbent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on elections theft and other malpractices. Obi came third in the election.
But speaking during the party’s virtual National Executive Council, Abure announced the establishment of various committee to champion electoral reform in the country.
According to the LP Chairman, “We note that the Labour Party is a major victim in the 2023 general election and will therefore pursue electoral reform in Nigeria.
“For us to have credible, proactive leaders that will work in the interest of the people, the processes leading to the selection of candidates must be credible, fair and transparent.
“To this extent, Labour Party is poised to pursue holistic electoral reforms in Nigeria. The Committee must take cognizance of all our laws and institutions and therefore make recommendations to the party.
“The recommendations will form the basis of our future engagement with the electorate and all institutions in Nigeria, having roles to play in election matters.
“This committee will be chaired by Honourable Benedict Etanabene while Honourable Okey Joe will be the co-chair. Dudu Manuga will act as secretary. The committee has eight weeks to submit its report.”
Thus following the crisis rocking the LP, Abure recently warned Obi that the party’s 2027 Presidential ticket is no longer automatic for him, even though close watchers of the main opposition party insist that the former Anambra state governor is still extremely popular among LP supporters and Nigerians generally.
