The Nasarawa State chapter of the Labour Party (LP) has officially rejected the results of the Local Government elections held on 2nd November 2024, in which the All Progressives Congress (APC) emerged victorious in all 13 Local Government Areas (LGAs).
Alexander Ombugu, the LP chairman in Nasarawa, voiced the party’s dissatisfaction during a State Executive Council meeting on Friday. He claimed that the Nasarawa State Independent Electoral Commission (NASIEC) misled the party into participating by promising a free and fair election, which, according to Ombugu, was not the case. He further accused NASIEC of appointing APC supporters as electoral officers, which allegedly led to widespread manipulation of the election results, especially in areas believed to be strongholds for the Labour Party.
Ombugu also highlighted the issue of Hon. Ede Osu, an LP chairmanship candidate for Nassarawa LGA, who was denied the opportunity to complete his payment and participate in the election despite paying a N550,000 deposit. “Since Hon. Ede Osu was excluded from the election, NASIEC should refund his N550,000,” Ombugu stated.
In addition, Ombugu raised concerns about the absence of election materials in Keffi LGA, which prevented Hon. Friday Ozeegee Haruna, a councilorship candidate, from contesting in the Ungwar Rimi electoral ward.
“We are dissatisfied with the outcome of the elections. The process was more of a selection than an election, as many residents could not participate. We are shocked that NASIEC proceeded to announce results,” Ombugu added, reiterating that the LP completely rejects the election results, describing them as neither free nor fair.
In another issue, the LP also reported alleged impersonation in Lafia LGA, where unknown individuals were using the party’s logo and symbols at an unauthorized office. Ombugu called on security agencies to investigate the matter, stating that the Labour Party no longer operates from the Makurdi Road office in Lafia.
Following the elections, NASIEC announced that the APC won all 13 LGAs and 140 councilorship seats, while the Social Democratic Party and Zenith Labour Party secured five and two seats, respectively.
