On Thursday, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Mr Rotimi Oyekanmi, revealed to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that the Labour Party (LP) National Convention in Anambra on Wednesday was not recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Oyekanmi declined to provide further details on why INEC did not monitor the convention.
However, reports from NAN indicate that the LP had relocated the convention from Umuahia in Abia to Nnewi, Anambra State, a day before.
Mr Kehinde Edun, the LP National Legal Adviser, informed the media that the party had duly notified INEC about the change in venue and date.
Edun clarified, “No, it is happening in Anambra, specifically in Nnewi, not Umuahia in Abia State. In fact, Umuahia was not even our initial choice of venue. Benin was our first choice before opting for Umuahia and eventually settling on Nnewi.
“Hence, we have the liberty to select any venue of our preference. Our only obligation is to inform INEC about the change in venue and time,” added Edun.
According to Section 82(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, political parties are required to give INEC a minimum of 21 days notice for conventions, congresses, conferences, meetings, including those organized for the purpose of “merger,” and for electing executive committee members, among other governing bodies or nominating candidates.