Adewale Adesanya, a candidate representing the Labour Party in the Ogun State by-election, has voiced his discontent regarding the ongoing crisis within the party.
Adesanya raised concerns for young Nigerians who perceive the Labour Party as a legitimate avenue for public service, advocating for electoral processes that do not disenfranchise them.
“I aspire to serve my country and my community. We are weary of the persistent politics of confusion,” he stated.
He emphasized that the leadership crisis should not impede individuals’ rights to contest.
“The leadership struggle is occurring at the national level,” he continued, underscoring that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should have adopted a more responsible approach.
Adesanya mentioned that his reaction to the situation has been to file complaints through his party’s leadership, which has challenged the INEC through both legal and administrative channels.
He encouraged young Nigerians with political aspirations to remain steadfast, despite the obstacles.
“We must not lose hope. Young Nigerians are exhausted by the outdated politics of confusion,” he remarked.
He called upon political party leaders to ensure that internal disputes do not hinder the ambitions and civic rights of aspiring politicians.
Adewale also expressed his dismay at being excluded from the list of candidates published by the INEC in preparation for the polls on August 16.
Adesanya conveyed his astonishment, clarifying that he adhered to all required procedures as outlined by the Labour Party leadership and the INEC.
“To date, no official statement has been issued by INEC,” he lamented.
“I would have anticipated better communication from INEC,” he stated.
“This is inadequate. I expected a more effective administrative approach and stance from the INEC,” he added.
On Wednesday, members of the Labour Party group led by Julius Abure protested at the national headquarters of the INEC in Abuja against the exclusion of their candidates’ names from the forthcoming by-elections.
The demonstrators expressed their dissent regarding INEC’s choice not to disclose the names of LP candidates put forth by the Abure faction for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections, as well as for several forthcoming National Assembly by-elections.
Chanting various slogans and holding placards with diverse messages, the protesters paraded around the INEC offices while being monitored by security personnel.
Some of the placards displayed messages such as, “INEC must uphold the rule of law,” “Supreme Court ruling supports Julius Abure,” “Caretaker committee does not constitute a political party,” “Cease undermining democracy in Nigeria,” and “INEC must not extinguish the leading opposition party in Nigeria.”
However, the leadership of the party, led by Nenadi Usman, has distanced itself from the demonstration, labeling the organizers as “impostors” and “political impersonators.”
