The Labour Party (LP) has officially distanced itself from Chief Olusola Ebiseni, Secretary General of the Yoruba Socio-Political Group, Afenifere, who claims to be the party’s candidate in the upcoming Ondo State governorship election on November 16.
The LP leadership also reaffirmed that Dr. Ayo Olorunfemi, who emerged as the party’s flag bearer following the primaries held in Akure in June, remains the legitimate candidate.
The National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, clarified on Wednesday in Abuja that Ebiseni, who previously contested the governorship under the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) but lost, has neither relinquished his PDP membership nor formally joined the Labour Party.
“Dr. Olorunfemi is the candidate of the Labour Party. He emerged after the governorship primaries witnessed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). His name was subsequently submitted to INEC and was published as the Labour Party’s duly nominated candidate for the Ondo election,” Ifoh stated.
Ifoh also mentioned that certain individuals, allegedly affiliated with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), may be supporting Ebiseni in an attempt to challenge the party’s leadership, despite the Appeal Court’s confirmation of Barrister Julius Abure as the authentic chairman of the Labour Party.
“Impersonation is a serious crime in Nigeria, and we therefore urge the Nigeria Police, the Department of the State Security, and all other security agencies to apprehend anyone impersonating or being used to fight a proxy battle by way of impersonation,” Ifoh added.
Ifoh emphasised that the Labour Party is confident of victory in the Ondo governorship election, having fielded a credible candidate in Dr. Olorunfemi, a grassroots politician, prominent labour leader, and renowned educationist.
The party called on its members in Ondo State, particularly those in the “Obidient” movement, as well as the broader electorate, to disregard the “gang-up” against the Labour Party and to turn out en masse to support Dr. Olorunfemi in the upcoming election.
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