The Julius Abure-led National Working Committee of the Labour Party, on Thursday, alleged that Governor Alex Otti monopolised the proceeding for the election of candidates for the November 2 local government elections in Abia State.

The concern was raised In a statement issued in Abuja by the National Publicity Secretary of LP, Obiora Ifoh, titled ?Ensuring the Integrity of Local Government Elections in Abia State.?

The warning comes barely 24 hours after the Abia faction loyal to the governor disowned the committee set by Abure to oversee the emergence of candidates to vie for each council election in the state.

The committee, headed by a former LP chairman, Ceekay Igara, also has the state secretary, Andrew Ohiagba, as a member.

While warning the governor to steer clear of the electoral process and give the party a free hand to conduct its affairs, Ifoh condemned his action, saying it was such interference that forced the Supreme Court to grant autonomy to local government administration in the first place.

According to him, local councils ought to be catalysts for grassroots development, growth, and transformation.

He said, ?It is on this foundation that the Labour Party strongly condemns and expresses deep concern over how the upcoming local government elections in Abia State are being handled under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Alex Otti. We must be vigilant to ensure that the electoral process is free from interference or manipulation by those in power. We respectfully urge His Excellency Governor Otti to lead by example and use Abia State as a beacon of democratic principles in Nigeria.

?We must state unequivocally that the Labour Party demands the freedom to organise its primaries without interference. It is essential that the party?s grassroots members in Abia State be allowed to freely choose their candidates through a transparent and democratic process.?

The group Insisted that those selected to contest for positions, whether through appointments or elections, must reflect the party?s ideals of integrity, accountability, and commitment to public service.

?While we acknowledge the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Alex Otti, we cannot, in good faith, overlook the potential for abuse of power that has characterised local government elections in many states across Nigeria.

?More so, as a leader who ascended to power through the collective support of the people, we expect Otti to uphold the very principles that brought him to office. He must resist the temptation to undermine the process and instead use this election as a model for others to emulate,? the statement added. (The PUNCH)

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