Ahead of the Lagos State Local Government election expected to hold early next year, Chairman of the Labour Party (LP) in the state, Dayo Ekong, has cautioned aspirants against bypassing her leadership for the party’s ticket.
Ekong emphasized that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officially recognizes Julius Abure as the National Chairman of the LP. Consequently, the party structure under Abure’s leadership, including her position as the state chair, is the legitimate and recognized leadership.
She clarified that all processes related to ticketing, primaries, campaign structures, and candidacy within Lagos State must go through her leadership.
Ekong made this statement during a meeting with the party’s aspirants for chairmanship and councilor positions, according to excerpt obtained by our correspondent from the X handle of the Labour Party Lagos Media on Saturday.
This comes amidst controversies surrounding the party’s leadership in the state.
In August, Seyi Sowunmi, a member of the House of Representatives representing Ojo Federal Constituency, disowned the current leadership.
Sowunmi accused Ekong’s leadership of illegitimacy, citing the expiration of the executive’s tenure on January 26, 2024, after its three-month extension from October 27, 2023.
He also warned against illegal congresses and the unauthorized sale of expression of interest forms for local government positions.
Despite these claims, Ekong reiterated that her leadership remains the only recognized authority for obtaining the party’s tickets for chairmanship or councillorship.
She said, “INEC has recognized Comrade Julius Abure as the National Chairman of the Labour Party, making the party structure under his leadership the authentic and officially recognized Labour Party across Nigeria.
“This also means that the party structure in Lagos state is under my leadership and all processes concerning ticketing for primaries, campaign structure, and candidacy must be conducted through the party under my legitimate leadership.
“Don’t let anyone fool you as it is only through this structure that tickets for primaries will be issued.”
As the party prepares for the upcoming election, Ekong emphasized that success requires more than just passion, but also demands a solid financial foundation.
She noted that a strong financial position is crucial for running effective campaigns and increasing the party’s grassroots presence.
“We must be able to present a formidable opposition to secure success in these local council elections, and your personal financial readiness will play a vital role in this.
“No one is going to ask you to bring money to bribe anyone or go and settle one baba isale somewhere o. we don’t do baba sope in our party.
“Any member of the party structure that asks you for money without it being tied to either campaign purposes or activities that promote party awareness is doing so illegitimately,” Ekong stated.
She urged all the aspirants to adhere to the party’s guidelines and regulations.
“We also want to emphasize that as you prepare, you must adhere strictly to the party’s guidelines and regulations.
“In line with this, the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has advised us not to use party logos on any campaign posters until the guidelines for the elections are formally released by LASIEC.
“It is essential that we respect this directive to ensure we remain compliant with electoral laws,” Ekong stated.