Labour Party Accuses LASIEC, INEC of Bias Ahead of Lagos LG Polls

As Lagos gears up for its crucial local government elections, tensions are mounting following serious allegations made by the Labour Party (LP) against the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The party’s Lagos chapter has accused both commissions of colluding with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to suppress LP candidates and manipulate the electoral process in favour of the ruling party.

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At the center of the storm is Nifemi Adeyemi, the LP Caretaker Chairman loyal to Senator Nenadi Usman’s faction. Adeyemi, who is also vying for the chairmanship of Ikorodu West Local Government under the LP, made the explosive claims during a press briefing with newsmen. He openly questioned the impartiality of the electoral bodies, describing them as compromised institutions that have abandoned their constitutional mandates.

“This is to notify the general public that LASIEC Lagos is no longer an independent body. LASIEC Lagos is a corrupt entity. INEC is a corrupt entity. INEC is no longer an independent body,” Adeyemi declared with frustration, asserting that these institutions are actively undermining democratic processes in the state.

LASIEC Accused of Recognizing Illegal Faction

Adeyemi’s grievances center on the alleged issuance of nomination forms by LASIEC to a rival LP faction that, according to him, has already been disbanded by a Supreme Court ruling. “To our greatest surprise, yesterday LASIEC gave a nomination form to a different faction. A faction that was sacked from the Labour Party by the Supreme Court… Nigeria has become a lawless country,” he stated, clearly infuriated by what he termed an open violation of legal procedures.

This development has thrown the LP’s preparations for the local government election into turmoil. The faction endorsed by the court, which Adeyemi belongs to, believes that the move by LASIEC to recognize a defunct faction is a deliberate attempt to sabotage the party’s chances at the polls.

Alleged Interference from Abuja Fuels Controversy

Adding fuel to the fire, Adeyemi revealed that LASIEC Chairman Bola Okikiolu told their delegation that her actions were based on instructions from authorities in Abuja. However, the alleged source of these directives—INEC headquarters—has reportedly denied giving any such instructions.

“Our lawyer is in Abuja. They are telling our lawyer that they didn’t give any directive,” Adeyemi explained. This conflicting narrative between LASIEC and INEC has only deepened the LP’s suspicions that a politically motivated scheme is in play.

The LP is now demanding transparency and accountability from both electoral commissions. Adeyemi emphasized that the party would not tolerate any attempt to disenfranchise its members, stressing that electoral fairness must be upheld to maintain Nigeria’s democratic integrity.

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“This is a game to disenfranchise the Labour Party in Lagos State. But we will not allow that. It will not hold. Because Nigeria will not become a one-party state,” Adeyemi told reporters, issuing a stern warning against what he sees as an orchestrated attempt to neutralize opposition voices in Lagos.

He further called on civil society groups, the judiciary, and the broader public to intervene and ensure that LASIEC and INEC adhere strictly to the rule of law and democratic principles. According to Adeyemi, allowing such actions to go unchecked would set a dangerous precedent that could undermine the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process nationwide.

Opposition Voices Grow Louder as Election Day Approaches

The Labour Party’s allegations are not occurring in isolation. In recent months, multiple opposition parties have raised concerns about the neutrality of local electoral commissions in various states. These developments are raising broader questions about the autonomy and transparency of electoral bodies, especially in states where the ruling party holds substantial sway.

As the local government election date draws closer, all eyes will be on LASIEC and INEC. The ability of these institutions to maintain public trust and ensure a level playing field will be crucial—not just for the Labour Party, but for the integrity of the democratic process in Nigeria’s most populous state.

For now, the LP remains adamant that it will not back down. Adeyemi and his supporters are vowing to use every legal and constitutional means available to fight what they describe as an attempt to silence dissent and force Lagos into becoming a “one-party state.”