The Chairman of the Labour Party (LP) in Lagos State, Dayo Ekong, has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of partiality and complicity in undermining the democratic will of Nigerians.
Citing the 2023 presidential election and the recently concluded governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States, she argued that the commission’s repeated “compromises” have made it clear that “the fox is not just in the henhouse; it is running it.”
Ekong made these remarks in a statement released on Tuesday.
She asserted that INEC’s “repeated failures” are no accident but the product of “willful corruption” orchestrated in collaboration with the ruling party.
Ekong condemned this “unholy alliance,” which she said prioritises power over people, ambition over accountability, and selfish gain over the national interest
“The Pattern of Betrayal by the electoral body is becoming more glaring,” she stated.
“The 2023 general elections were a glaring example of INEC’s dereliction of duty.
“Despite promises of deploying 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.
“Nigerians hoped this would serve as a lesson for future polls, but instead, the pattern of betrayal was repeated in Edo and Ondo States, where irregularities, voter suppression, and blatant partisanship were on full display.
“INEC’s actions—or lack thereof—have raised serious questions about its independence.
“The connivance with the ruling party to subvert the will of the people is a dangerous precedent, one that undermines not just elections but the very fabric of our democracy.”
Just as former President Olusegun Obasanjo and other critical stakeholders have advised, Ekong called for a complete overhaul in the composition and operations of INEC.
The LP chair emphasised that the appointment process must be overhauled to ensure that only individuals with unimpeachable integrity and non-partisan records are given the sacred duty of overseeing elections.
To guarantee transparency, she proposed that Civil society organisations and credible stakeholders must have a role in vetting these appointments.
She also emphasised the need to treat electoral crimes as treasonable offences, noting that the subversion of the people’s will is not just a crime against individuals but a direct attack on the nation’s stability and sovereignty.
“Those found guilty of manipulating election results, engaging in voter suppression, or colluding with political actors at all levels must face harsh punishments that serve as a deterrent.
“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.
“We call on the activists, and all well-meaning Nigerians to rise against the repeated injustices perpetrated by INEC and its collaborators. Silence is complicity, and in this critical moment, we must all speak out.
“Associations such as the IPAC need to do more in terms of speaking out and bridging the divide between political parties.
“They must start to foster unity amongst the political parties so as to form a formidable United force in order to fight the ugly behemoth that the current political leadership has become.
“To those orchestrating electoral illegalities, let this serve as a warning: your actions have consequences.
“The chain reaction you are setting in motion will inevitably lead to social unrest, economic instability, and a breakdown of the nation’s cohesion.
“History will judge you harshly, and so will the people you claim to serve,” Ekong said.