Lagos Labour Party Chairperson Blasts INEC for Undermining Nigerian Democracy
In a strongly worded statement, Dayo Ekong, the Chairperson of the Labour Party (LP) in Lagos State, has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of repeatedly disregarding the democratic will of Nigerians.
Ekong argued that the pattern of manipulation and betrayal by INEC has become increasingly clear in recent elections, including the 2023 presidential poll and the recent governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States.
According to her, INEC’s repeated failures are a product of corruption, orchestrated in collaboration with the ruling party, and she condemned this “unholy alliance” as prioritizing power over people and selfish gain over the national interest.
“Despite promises of using technology to enhance transparency, we witnessed the brazen manipulation of results, delays in uploading critical data, and a lack of accountability in addressing the concerns raised by political parties and citizens,” Ekong stated.
Nigerians had hoped that these electoral irregularities would serve as a lesson for future polls, but instead, Ekong noted that the pattern of betrayal was repeated in Edo and Ondo States, where irregularities, voter suppression, and blatant partisanship were on full display.
Ekong emphasized that INEC’s actions, or lack thereof, have raised serious questions about its independence and raised concerns about the commission’s appointment process, calling for the overhaul of the system to ensure that only individuals with unimpeachable integrity and non-partisan records are given the responsibility of overseeing elections.
To guarantee transparency, Ekong proposed that Civil society organizations and credible stakeholders must have a role in vetting these appointments.
Ekong also emphasized the need for harsh punishments to serve as a deterrent for those found guilty of manipulating election results, engaging in voter suppression, or colluding with political actors at all levels.
This is not a fight for the Labour Party alone, it is a fight for every Nigerian who believes in the power of their vote and the promise of democracy,” Ekong stated.
She called on civil society groups, including the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) to wake up to their responsibilities and join the fight for electoral reform and integrity.
