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Amid frustration and discontent, members of the Labour Party (LP) in Imo State took to the streets on Monday, staging a protest outside the state secretariat office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Owerri, the state capital. The demonstrators voiced their concerns over the perceived delay in the release of the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the results from the recently concluded governorship election in the state.
Calistus Ihejiagwa, the LP Chairman in the state, spearheaded the protest, accusing INEC of intentional delays aimed at obstructing his party from challenging the outcome of the November poll. The protesters, fervently expressing their discontent, sang solidarity songs and brandished placards adorned with messages such as 'INEC is supposed not to be biased,' 'INEC justice delayed is justice denied,' 'INEC release CTC,' and 'INEC should be independent,' among others.
Speaking to journalists at the Imo INEC headquarters, the LP chairman said the result as declared by INEC was not the true reflection of what transpired at the polling units.
The demonstration highlights the growing tension and dissatisfaction among opposition parties, with concerns centering on the transparency and efficiency of the electoral process. Accusations of bias and deliberate delays have intensified, with the LP members utilizing the protest as a platform to voice their grievances and demand timely access to election results.
As the situation unfolds, the focus shifts to INEC's response and efforts to address the concerns raised by the Labour Party. The protest underscores the significance of transparency and prompt disclosure in the electoral process, as political stakeholders navigate the complexities of ensuring a fair and just outcome for all parties involved.
