Full Text Of Rebuttal By Mr Collins Opuruozor Over Comments Made By Labour Party, LP, Against Forthcoming Imo Local Government Election
The Imo State Chairman of Labour Party has said his party would boycott the September 21, 2024 local government elections in the state. It is not in doubt that, in a democracy, the right to participate also involves the right not to participate. However, when politicians take face-saving decisions and decide to rationalize same on blatant falsehoods, it is only proper to interrogate their motives.
To begin with, the helmsman of LP reportedly said his party’s decision to boycott was in objection to the conduct of the elections by the Imo State Independent Electoral Commission (ISIEC). Instead, according to him, the elections should be organized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Retreating further into cynicism, he questioned the feasibility of free and fair elections in Imo under Governor Hope Uzodimma. These issues need to be put in proper perspectives.
First, by demanding that INEC should conduct local elections, the Labour Party is essentially calling for a centralization of power that patently contradicts the essence of federalism. This reveals a disturbing disregard for Nigeria’s federal system and raises serious concerns about the party’s commitment to democratic principles.
This shift by LP towards a unitary system of governance would erode the autonomy of Nigeria’s states, which is crucial for managing the country’s diverse cultural and ethnic landscape. The federal structure of Nigeria is designed to balance power and accommodate regional differences, and LP’s attempt to undermine this balance threatens national unity and stability.
In effect, this call for the central electoral umpire to organize local elections has betrayed the agenda of the enablers of the LP Chairman for a unitary system of government, which Nigeria briefly experimented in 1966 with catastrophic consequences.
This approach can be contrasted with how federal systems operate in other democracies. For instance, in the United States, local elections are managed by state and local election boards, ensuring that the diversity and autonomy of each state are respected. Similarly, in Germany, local elections are administered by state-level authorities, reflecting the federal structure and promoting regional autonomy. By advocating for a central electoral body to manage local elections, the Labour Party Chairman disregards the successful models of federalism seen in these countries.
Consider the example of India, another federal democracy where state election commissions are responsible for local elections. This system has been effective in accommodating the vast diversity of that country and ensuring that local governance remains responsive to regional needs.
What must now be noted is that, by pressing for an electoral process that bypasses constitutionally established structures, the LP Chairman is essentially advocating for anarchy. The demand for the repudiation of a legally constituted body like ISIEC in favor of INEC represents an audacious assault on the Constitution and the rule of law. Such actions could lead to widespread instability and anarchy, as they undermine the legal framework that governs electoral processes in Nigeria and create a leeway for the collapse of constitutional democracy. The LP’s stance is a dangerous precedent that could embolden other political actors to disregard constitutional provisions whenever it suits their interests.
Furthermore, the allegations against Governor Hope Uzodimma’s administration regarding the conduct of free and fair elections are completely baseless and unfounded. Governor Uzodimma has a proven track record of ensuring transparency and fairness in the electoral process, as evidenced by the broad participation of aspirants in the All Progressives Congress (APC) nomination processes. These processes have been conducted with high level of openness that contradicts the LP’s claims of bias and unfairness.
To be clear, by opting out of the electoral process, the LP in Imo has announced itself as unelectable, disorientated and totally alienated from the people. It raises serious questions about the future of the party since, at last, the party has given up on the primary reason for the existence of political parties, which is the quest to win state power. The LP is now unfortunately more interested in political posturing and grandstanding than in engaging constructively in the democratic process.
Without any reservations whatsoever, Governor Uzodimma’s administration has been characterized by policies and programs aimed at empowering the populace and enhancing their participation in the democratic process. These initiatives have fostered a sense of inclusivity and have strengthened the democratic fabric of Imo State. The full participation of other opposition parties, except the LP, in the upcoming elections underscores the confidence that these parties have in the electoral process in the state and the inclusive political climate created by Governor Hope Uzodimma.
Make no mistakes, the LP’s rationale for election boycott—citing distrust in ISIEC and Governor Uzodimma—is a convenient excuse that masks deeper issues within his party. The party has yet to recover from the crushing defeat it suffered in the November 2023 governorship election, which has left it demoralized and completely wrecked. Rather than addressing these internal challenges, the Chairman has chosen to deflect attention by making baseless accusations.
We have warehoused tonnes of credible intelligence about internal surveys conducted by the Labour Party which indicated a lack of willingness among its few remaining members to financially support the party’s activities. This internal disarray points to a broader crisis of confidence within the party. Instead of confronting these issues head-on, the Chairman has opted to scapegoat external factors, a strategy that is both dishonest and detrimental to the democratic process.
For democracy to function effectively, political leaders must engage in the process with integrity and honesty. Misleading the public and making unfounded allegations for political gain undermines the very foundations of democratic engagement. The LP Chairman’s approach not only misinforms the electorate but also threatens the integrity of the electoral process. For Governor Uzodimma, the focus is on the people and their well-being, and so the LP’s unpopular views only help to alienate them from the people and hasten their eventual disintegration.
*Collins Opurozor is the Special Adviser to Governor Hope Uzodimma on Electronic and Creative Media