The crisis within the Edo State chapter of the Labour Party (LP) escalated on Friday when two factional chairmen attended a stakeholders’ meeting organized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The meeting, held in preparation for the September 21, 2024 governorship election, brought together political parties and security agencies.
The two LP factional chairmen present were Mrs. Elizabeth Ativie and Kelly Ogbaloi.
Ativie leads a 17-member caretaker committee loyal to Julius Abure, the national chairman of the party, while Ogbaloi is aligned with the party’s governorship candidate, Barrister Olumide Akpata.
Last Friday, the Ogbaloi-led state executive ratified the suspension of Julius Abure as national chairman by his ward executives in Arue-Uromi, Esan North-East local government area.
In response, the Abure-led LP national leadership dissolved the Ogbaloi-led state executive and established a 17-member caretaker committee headed by Elizabeth Ativie, citing the expiration of Ogbaloi’s tenure in April 2024.
The stakeholders’ meeting was chaired by INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, alongside other senior Commission officials from Abuja and Edo State.
Introducing herself, Ativie said, “I am Right Honourable Elizabeth Uyimwen Ativie. By the grace of God, I am the youngest and the latest chairman in town, the Chairman of Labour Party, Edo State.”
Ogbaloi also introduced himself, stating, “I am Comrade Kelly Ogbaloi (KSE), Chairman, Labour Party, Edo State.”
Their introductions caused the hall to erupt in hysterical laughter.
Support InfoStride News' Credible Journalism: Only credible journalism can guarantee a fair, accountable and transparent society, including democracy and government. It involves a lot of efforts and money. We need your support. Click here to Donate