Drama Unfolds as Two Labour Party Chairmen Attend INEC Stakeholders Meeting in Edo State

Edo State witnessed a dramatic turn of events on Friday when two factional chairmen of the Labour Party (LP) attended a stakeholders’ meeting organized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The meeting was part of preparations for the upcoming governorship election on September 21, 2024.

The two factional chairmen, Mrs. Elizabeth Ativie and Mr. Kelly Ogbaloi, both claimed leadership of the party at the event, creating a scene that highlighted the ongoing crisis within the Edo State chapter of the Labour Party.

Mrs. Elizabeth Ativie heads a 17-member caretaker committee loyal to Julius Abure, the national chairman of the party. On the other hand, Kelly Ogbaloi is aligned with the party’s governorship candidate, Barrister Olumide Akpata.

The schism intensified last Friday when the Ogbaloi-led state executive ratified the suspension of Julius Abure as national chairman, a decision supported by Abure’s ward executives in Arue-Uromi, Esan North-East local government area. In a swift response, the national leadership under Abure dissolved the Ogbaloi-led executive, appointing Ativie to lead the newly formed caretaker committee.

Abure justified the dissolution by stating that the Ogbaloi-led executive’s tenure had expired in April 2024.

The INEC stakeholders’ meeting, chaired by INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, included other top management staff from Abuja and Edo State. The presence of the two factional chairmen became a focal point of the meeting, resulting in moments of amusement among the attendees.

Introducing herself, Ativie said, “I am Right Honourable Elizabeth Uyimwen Ativie. By the grace of God, I am the youngest and the latest chairman in town, the Chairman of Labour Party, Edo State.”

Ogbaloi, not to be outdone, stated, “I am Comrade Kelly Ogbaloi (KSE), Chairman, Labour Party, Edo State.”

The unexpected introductions brought about a wave of laughter in the hall, underscoring the unusual situation and the deepening divisions within the party ahead of the crucial governorship election.