The Labour Party (LP) has announced that it will not boycott the 2024 run-off/bye-election in Plateau state on Saturday, 3 February 2024 as directed by the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC).
The leadership of LP in a statement signed by spokesperson, Obiora Ifoh, on Friday disassociated itself from the decision by the Plateau state chapter of IPAC to stop political parties from participating in the election.
“The Labour Party shall participate in the rerun election and we affirm that we are not under any obligation to accept any of such ridiculous decisions by the IPAC to stop political parties from participating in the election,” Ifoh said.
Ifoh said it has been established from the High Court up to the Supreme Court that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) was disqualified from participation in the rerun elections as a result of some irregularities on their part.
The Labour Party spokesperson stated that the decision is in line with the laws of the land.
Ifoh said LP, therefore appreciates the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by holding on to the law established by all the courts including the Supreme Court by going ahead to conduct a rerun in the affected constituencies.
“To that extent, we are calling on all people of the Plateau North Senatorial District to come out en-masse and vote,” Ifoh said.
Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has rolled out measures to ensure a peaceful conduct of the 2024 run-off/bye-elections across 26 states on Saturday.
Some of the measures disclosed in a statement signed by the spokesperson of the Nigerian Police Force, Olumuyiwa Adejobi on Thursday include the enforcement of movement restrictions and ban on VIP aides.
IGP Egbetokun on Thursday mandated a restriction of vehicular movement from 12 a.m. to 6 p.m. on election day in the 26 states holding the run-off and bye-elections.
Adejobi, however, stated that essential services like the officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accredited media, and emergency responders are exempted.
