By Perpetua Onuegbu
The Labour Party has disassociated itself from Chief Olusola Ebiseni, the Secretary-General of Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, as the party’s candidate in the November 16 governorship election in Ondo.
Mr Obiora Ifoh National Publicity Secretary, Labour Party, made the clarification in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.
According to him, Dr Ayo Olorunfemi emerged as its flag bearer in the Ondo governorship election after its primaries held in Akure in June.
He said Ebiseni, who contested for the governorship of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state but lost, was yet to relinquish his membership PDP, neither identified with the Labour Party.
“Dr Olorunfemi is the candidate of the Labour Party. He emerged after the governorship primaries witnessed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“His name was subsequently submitted to INEC and was published as the Labour Party’s duly nominated candidate for the Ondo election.
“INEC has since concluded the nomination processes and one wonders how he emerged without the involvement of INEC and the sponsorship of the Labour Party,” he said.
He said LP had noted members who were working for Nigeria Labour Congress’s pursuit of the party’s leadership in spite of the affirmation of the Appeal Court of Mr Julius Abure as its chairman.
He therefore, urged Nigeria Police, Department of the State Security and all other security agencies to apprehend anyone impersonating or being used to fight a proxy battle by way of impersonation.
“Labour Party is poised to win the Ondo governorship election having fielded a very credible candidate who is a grassroots politician, a prominent Labour leader and a renowned educationist.
“We think that this unholy alliance between Ebiseni and APC sponsored NLC is geared towards frustrating our expected victory at the polls but we will resist it through every legal means.
“We are therefore calling on party members in Ondo, particularly Obidient family and the entire electorate to ignore the gang up against the party.
“Come out en-masse to vote for Dr Olorunfemi of the Labour Party, secure our votes and make sure our votes count.” Ifoh said. (NAN)