As Nasarawa State gears up for its local government elections on November 2, 2024, the Labour Party has emphasized the need for peaceful and credible elections. Speaking during the commencement of the screening process for chairmanship and councillorship aspirants in Lafia, the state capital, Labour Party Chairman Alexander Ombugu highlighted the party’s readiness to participate in the polls. He called on the State Independent Electoral Commission (NASIEC) to ensure a transparent and fair election that would reflect the will of the people.
Ombugu revealed that the party’s primary elections would begin by mid-October and expressed confidence in NASIEC’s assurances of a free and fair process. He stressed the importance of smooth, interference-free elections to ensure that all participating parties have an equal opportunity to contest and that the results are credible.
In addition, Ombugu praised the recent Supreme Court ruling granting full autonomy to Nigeria’s 774 local governments, noting that this decision would enhance democracy at the grassroots level. He explained that giving local governments the power to govern without undue interference would enable them to better serve their communities and address the needs of rural populations.
Turning to internal party matters, Ombugu addressed the ongoing national crisis within the Labour Party. He congratulated National Chairman Julius Abure on his recent victory in a Federal High Court, which validated the party’s March 2024 Nnewi national convention and reaffirmed Abure’s leadership. Ombugu reiterated the Nasarawa State chapter’s unwavering support for Abure, emphasizing that despite efforts to unseat him by individuals uncomfortable with his transparent leadership, the state chapter stands firmly behind him. He called for unity within the party as they continue to push for good governance and democratic integrity across Nigeria.
