Obiora Ifog, the National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party (LP), has raised concerns over a perceived plan to obstruct the case of the party’s candidate, Amobi Oga (LP-Abia), at the Court of Appeal in Lagos.
In an open letter directed to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu, the LP’s leadership expressed their apprehensions about the situation.
Mr. Ifog highlighted that Amobi Oga of the Labour Party had initially contested and secured a substantial victory for the Federal House of Representatives seat representing the Isikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency in Abia.
However, the victory was annulled at the election tribunal, prompting the decision to seek recourse at the appellate court.
“What transpired on October 19th was truly astonishing, which is why we urge you to intervene promptly to prevent any potential complications,” Ifog stated.
He brought to light that INEC had enlisted the services of a Senior Counsel, J.O. Asoluka (SAN), with a letter of authorization to represent the commission in the legal proceedings. Yet, during the commencement of the hearing at the Appeal Court, another legal representative emerged with a separate letter of authority to take over INEC’s case.
Crucially, this change occurred without prior notification to J.O. Asoluka that a new counsel had been engaged.
