LP Denies Disqualification of Ondo Guber Candidate

Ahead of Saturday’s gubernatorial election in Ondo State, the Labour Party (LP) has dismissed reports of its candidate, Olusola Ebiseni, being disqualified by the courts.

The party urged Nigerians, particularly voters, to disregard the claims, which it described as misleading and disruptive.

This comes after the Abuja Division of the Appeal Court on Wednesday overturned a previous Federal High Court ruling that upheld Ebiseni’s candidacy.

The appellate court’s three-member panel, led by Justice Hamma Barka, declared the appeal brought by the Labour Party against Ebiseni and others “allowed.”

Earlier, Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja had validated the second primary election that produced Ebiseni and his running mate, Ezekiel Awude, as the Labour Party’s candidates.

Justice Nwite ruled that Ebiseni had duly paid the nomination fees and was directed by the party to compensate Festus Olorunfemi, a candidate who stepped down, with N5 million.

LP Chairperson and Youth Leader React
The Ondo State Chairperson of the Labour Party, Mrs. Remilekun Ojo, refuted the disqualification claims, asserting that the matter had been resolved internally before the appellate court’s judgment.

“Our candidate cannot be disqualified. The circulating reports are all lies. Politicians from other parties are trying to create confusion because they feel threatened by our progress,” she said.

Adding to the party’s position, LP youth leader Hon. Samuel Boniface alleged that he was approached by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stakeholders, who offered over N100 million to collapse the Labour Party structure ahead of the election.

“As the state youth leader of the Labour Party, I was approached three weeks ago by PDP stakeholders offering me N100 million to collapse our structure into their party.

“I rejected the offer because I have principles and will not betray my party or followers,” Boniface stated.

Legal Action Against Media Outlets
Boniface also confirmed plans to sue media outlets that reported Ebiseni’s alleged disqualification.

“The reports are false and damaging. The matter was settled out of court, and the court struck out the case.

Our candidate’s name is still on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal,” he said.

He further noted that the party has documentary evidence proving Ebiseni’s candidacy, including a signed letter from Olorunfemi, the initial complainant, affirming his withdrawal and subsequent compensation.

Labour Party’s Stand
The Labour Party reiterated its readiness for the gubernatorial election, emphasizing its commitment to transparency and integrity.

“We are not distracted by these misleading reports. Our candidate is still in the race, and we remain focused on delivering victory,” Ojo affirmed.

As the Ondo governorship election approaches, the Labour Party’s firm stance underscores its resolve to challenge misinformation and maintain voter confidence.