Labour Party Candidate Accuses Former Chairman of Forgery and Electoral Sabotage in Ebonyi State
Eze Oko Splendour, the Labour Party’s 2023 governorship candidate for Ebonyi State, has levelled serious allegations against the party’s former National Chairman, Julius Abure, in a statement released on Wednesday. Splendour accuses Abure of orchestrating a campaign of “criminality, deceit and manipulation” to deny him the governorship candidacy.
Following his victory in the party’s primaries, Splendour claims Abure pressured him to step down in favour of Edward Nkwegu Okereke, who had unsuccessfully contested the primaries for the All Progressives Congress (APC). When these efforts failed, Splendour alleges Abure resorted to forgery, fabricating a withdrawal letter bearing his forged signature and submitting it to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to facilitate an illegal substitution.
“I was left in utter shock when I eventually caught wind of the reprehensible actions of the former Chairman,” Splendour states in a speech he read at a press conference. He describes Abure’s actions as a “betrayal of trust” and a “brazen act of criminality” that undermines “internal party democracy, free and fair elections, and the rule of law.”
Splendour further claims that after pursuing legal action, the Federal Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) recommended Abure’s prosecution. However, he expresses concern that the case has stalled, prompting him to appeal directly to the new Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi.
“The prosecution of Abure is not only a matter of justice but also a reaffirmation of our commitment to the principles of transparency, fairness and accountability in governance,” Splendour emphasizes. He urges Fagbemi to take swift action, highlighting the importance of holding those who attempt to manipulate elections accountable.
He concludes with a call for upholding the rule of law and ensuring no one is above it. While Abure has yet to respond to the allegations, Splendour’s accusations raise concerns about potential manipulation within the Labour Party and the integrity of electoral processes in Ebonyi State.
Also the party Governorship flag bearer in plateau state had his name removed and substituted by National Chairman, Julius Abure who allegedly forged his signature on purported letter of withdrawal.
