The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said its representatives did not monitor Wednesday’s Labour Party (LP) National Convention in Anambra.
Rotimi Oyekanmi, the Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu, gave the commission’s position in Abuja on Thursday.
Oyekanmi said the convention was not monitored by INEC, but did not state why.
NAN however, reports that the LP had on Tuesday shifted the convention from Umuahia in Abia to Nnewi, Anambra State.
Speaking on the venue change, the LP National Legal Adviser, Kehinde Edun, told journalists that the party had duly informed INEC about the change in venue and date.
Edun said: “No, it is holding in Anambra. Nnewi to be precise, not Umuahia in Abia State again. In fact, Umuahia was not even the first venue we chose. Benin was the first choice before we changed to Umuahia and now Nnewi.
“So, we are at liberty to pick any venue of our choice. We only need to inform INEC about the change in venue and the time.”
Section 82(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022 states that political parties shall give INEC at least 21 days’ notice of convention, congress, conference or meeting.
This includes the convention or meeting convened for the purpose of “merger” and electing members of its executive committees, and other governing bodies or nominating candidates.
NAN
