15th April, 2011
Labour Party (LP), has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to ensure that the party’s logo appears on the ballot papers in subsequent elections in the state, especially during the Lagos State House of Assembly poll slated for 26 April, 2011.
Hakeem Olomowewe, LP candidate for Mushin Constituency 01, who rued the non-inclusion of the party’s logo on the ballot paper during theNational Assembly elections, said during a chat with Political Platform: “INEC officials are corrupt. They have been bought over by the ruling party. Those that were not accreditated during the elections were allowed to vote. Some were even allowed to vote twice at about 4 p.m. when the voting exercise ought to have ended.
“The authority should look into this situation in order not to soil the name, image and integrity of the INEC chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega,†Olomowewe stated.
He further criticised the non-availability of security agents in some areas during the election, which he said gave room for intimidation and rigging.
“In some areas during the election, our people were harassed. Like in Ward E2, Ereko, Mushin Constituency 01, hoodlums were everywhere harassing our supporters. The same thing also happened in Ilupeju. The law enforcement agencies must guide against this in subsequent elections.
Olomowewe denied the rumour that he has stepped out of the Lagos State House of Assembly election.
“There is no iota of truth in the rumour. How can I back out of the race when I know my onions. The race is as good as won. I have not collected a dime from the ACN and I’m still very much in the race,†he said.
He urged all the supporters of the party to come out en masse and vote for LP candidates during the Assembly polls.