The turmoil within the Edo State chapter of the Labour Party took an unexpected and comical turn on Friday during a stakeholder meeting organized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the September 21 governorship election in the state. At the meeting, two individuals claimed to be the party chairman, adding a humorous twist to the proceedings.
The two claimants to the chairmanship position were Elizabeth Ativie, who was recently sworn in as the caretaker committee chairman by the Julius Abure-led national leadership of the party, and Kelly Ogbaloi, who is a member of the dissolved committee under Abure’s leadership.
During the stakeholder meeting chaired by INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the party chairmen present were called upon to introduce themselves. Ativie and Ogbaloi, sitting side by side, both introduced themselves as the Chairman of the Labour Party, Edo State, leading to amusement among the attendees.
Ativie humorously introduced herself as “Right Honourable Elizabeth Uyimwen Ativie, the youngest and the latest chairman in town, the Chairman of Labour Party, Edo State,” while Ogbaloi swiftly grabbed the microphone to assert, “I am Comrade Kelly Ogbaloi, Chairman, Labour Party, Edo State.”
The amusing situation continued during the interactive session, eliciting laughter from other participants.
Meanwhile, Yakubu reassured political parties of a fair electoral process, emphasizing INEC’s neutrality. He stressed that the commission has no candidate in the election and commended the peaceful conduct of political parties thus far.
Yakubu underscored the importance of a peaceful electoral process and urged political parties and candidates to adhere to the rules of the game. He highlighted the challenge of low PVC collection in Edo State, urging political parties to mobilize the public for both voter registration and PVC collection.
Regarding security, Yakubu stated that the Nigeria Police, in collaboration with other security agencies, would ensure the safety and security of the electoral process.
