ABSIEC, Tools for “Vendettas and Distractions” As Abia LP Alleges Unfair Practices in the LG Polls.
The Abia State Labour Party has alleged an unfair and incredible electoral practices in the preparation for the upcoming Local Government elections, accusing the Abia State Independent Electoral Commission (ABSIEC) of misconduct and irregularities. In a press briefing on Thursday 31 October by the State Chairman of the Party, Hon. Prince G.O. Ndubueze, the Party claimed that ABSIEC, led by Prof. Chima George, is undermining a free and fair election by manipulating the list of cleared candidates, reportedly due to political pressure from “an order from above.”
Hon. Ndubueze explained to the general public how ABSIEC initially published a list of Labour Party candidates on October 25, 2024, but then removed it shortly afterward, allegedly altering it in violation of electoral guidelines and the Electoral Act 2022. He explained that the commission’s abrupt reversal and the replacement of candidates with unfamiliar names have raised concerns about the integrity of the electoral body.
The chairman maintained that the Labour Party’s candidate list, properly submitted and acknowledged by ABSIEC, aligns with the rulings of both a Federal High Court in Abuja and an Appeal Court in Benin, affirming the party’s legitimate leadership. Ndubueze further accused members of the state government of using their influence to restrict Labour Party candidates from fair participation.
In response to these allegations, Ndubueze emphasized that the Labour Party will “explore every available legal option” to hold ABSIEC accountable, insisting on due process to ensure a fair election. He urged ABSIEC to uphold transparency, warning that the Labour Party would not tolerate any infringement on its candidates’ rights.
It will be recalled that on Friday, 25 October 2024, Trustbase News reported on the screened and approved candidates for all political parties participating in the November 2 LG elections, including the candidates of the Labour Party as published by ABSIEC.
Remember also, that the Governor of Abia State, His Excellency Governor Alex Otti assured Abians that his administration is funded on competence, accountability and responsibility, while swearing in the ABSIEC Chairman and Board members where he also urged them not to bow to the pressure of compromise as such will amount to suicide, while Prof. George Chima the Chairman of ABSIEC in his response after swearing in, promised to ensure a fair and credible process, anchored on the rule of law.
Surprisingly, ABSIEC and the State Government have reneged on their promises for a fair and credible process, that’s anchored on the rule of law with these electoral irregularities, manipulations, political vendettas and distractions of the Labour Party Candidates, as the party alleged for their lists to have been substituted in the recently published copy by ABSIEC other than the candidates names submitted by the Party and acknowledged by ABSIEC at the die minutes to the election having already published the original names submitted by the Labour Party through the party’s NWC by ABSIEC on Friday 25 October 2024.
