Ondo Guber: The Labour Party's Battle for Candidacy

As the Ondo State gubernatorial election slated for November 16, 2024, draws nearer, the Labour Party finds itself mired in a fierce internal battle that has thrown the political landscape into disarray. The controversy centers on the legitimacy of the party's governorship candidate, with two prominent figures, Chief Sola Ebiseni and Dr. Dayo Olorunfemi, laying claim to the coveted ticket. This conflict not only jeopardizes the party’s prospects in the upcoming election but also raises serious questions about the internal dynamics and cohesion within the Labour Party.

Chief Sola Ebiseni, a well-known figure in Ondo State’s political scene and a staunch ally of former Governor Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, recently staged a dramatic roadshow in Akure, the state capital, proclaiming himself as the LP’s gubernatorial candidate. Ebiseni, who had previously participated in the People’s Democratic Party governorship primary earlier this year, where he placed third, shocked many when he resurfaced under the Labour Party's banner. His supporters, in a grand show of force, paraded through Akure in a long convoy, mimicking the "Triumphant Entry" strategy famously used by another political figure, Wale Akinterinwa.

However, Ebiseni's declaration was quickly contested by Dr. Dayo Olorunfemi, a recognized member of the Labour Party, who held a press conference in Lagos at nearly the same time, asserting that he is the authentic candidate for the Ondo State gubernatorial race. Olorunfemi’s claim is bolstered by the fact that he emerged victorious in the LP’s primary held in June 2024, a process reportedly monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission. According to the Labour Party's National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, Olorunfemi's candidacy was duly submitted to and recognized by INEC, making him the official nominee for the November election.

The conflicting claims have created a cloud of uncertainty, not just within the Labour Party, but across the broader political landscape of Ondo State. The leadership of the LP has unequivocally dismissed Ebiseni’s self-proclaimed candidacy, with Ifoh labeling it as a "comedic stage play" intended to confuse the electorate. He insisted that Ebiseni, who remains a PDP chieftain according to official party records, has not formally joined the Labour Party, let alone emerged as its candidate.

Adding another layer to the controversy, a source close to Ebiseni’s camp claims to possess a letter of withdrawal signed by Olorunfemi, supposedly handed over to Ebiseni by Labour Party leaders Julius Abure and Umar Farouk. This letter, according to the source, effectively makes Olorunfemi’s candidacy null and void, paving the way for Ebiseni’s emergence as the LP’s standard-bearer. The source further argues that the current LP leadership is operating without a valid national executive, as their tenure has expired, leaving the party under the management of a National Transition Committee.

This intense struggle for the party’s ticket is not only a potential setback for the Labour Party’s chances in the upcoming election but also highlights deep divisions within its ranks. Political analysts are concerned that this internal discord could be the party’s undoing, especially in a state like Ondo where LP has previously enjoyed significant support. The scenario harks back to the 2007 gubernatorial election when Labour Party, under the leadership of Mimiko, pulled off a major upset by defeating the ruling PDP after a protracted legal battle.

The legitimacy of Ebiseni’s claim remains under heavy scrutiny. Legal experts and political pundits alike have pointed out that for Ebiseni to be recognized as the party’s candidate, the alleged letter of withdrawal by Olorunfemi would need to be verified and accepted by both the party and INEC. They argue that the process of substitution must be transparent, involving the direct consent of the initial candidate, Olorunfemi in this case, and not be conducted through proxies or behind closed doors.

The unfolding drama in the Labour Party raises significant concerns about the integrity of the electoral process and the ability of the party to present a united front. With the election just months away, the Labour Party must resolve this internal conflict swiftly and decisively to avoid damaging its credibility and diminishing its chances of success. As the situation stands, Ebiseni faces an uphill battle to get his name on the ballot, and the ultimate decision may well rest in the hands of the judiciary.

As the Labour Party navigates these turbulent waters, the people of Ondo State watch closely, eager to see how the party that once challenged the status quo will handle this latest challenge to its internal cohesion and legitimacy. The outcome of this internal battle could very well determine the future of the Labour Party in Ondo State, and possibly in the broader Nigerian political arena.