Labour Party Accuses Imo State INEC of Denying Access to Election Documents

The Labour Party in Imo State has raised allegations against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accusing the electoral body of obstructing access to certified true copies (CTCs) of documents related to the concluded November 11 election.

The opposition party made these claims in a statement released on Saturday, signed by Chibuikem Diala, the Director of Media and Publicity for the Senator Athan Achonu Campaign Organisation.

In the statement, Diala expressed concern over what the party perceives as a deliberate delay by INEC in providing the requested documents, as mandated by law.

The Labour Party had officially requested access to these materials through its solicitors, with the acknowledgment and receipt dated November 15, 2023.

The statement reads, “It is pertinent at this stage to alert the national chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the security agencies of these devious delay tactics, which may be to further deny our party and the candidate of the Labour Party in the November 11 election justice.

This is unacceptable, and we request that INEC do the needful immediately, as time is of the essence.”

Diala raised questions about the efficiency of INEC’s response, highlighting the swift announcement of results within 12 hours of the election contrasted with the delay in providing the supporting documents.

The Labour Party expressed concerns that the delay could be a tactic to tamper with sensitive materials, emphasizing the need for transparency and a timely release of the CTCs.

The statement concluded with a call on INEC and security agencies, led by Prof. Mahmoud, to ensure the prompt release of the requested certified true copies, asserting the party’s commitment to pursuing justice in the electoral process.