Anambra LP primaries: Frontline aspirant,: John Nwosu withdraws, says sack of Abure has nullified the exercise

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By Madu Obi

In a surprising move hours before the commencement of the Labour Party, LP, primaries for the Anambra State governorship election , John Nwosu, a frontline aspirant of the party, has withdrawn from the exercise.

In statement Saturday morning, Nwosu said the Supreme Court ruling sacking the national chairman of the party, Julius Abure, has nullified the exercise scheduled to take place today.

Nwosu was to contest for the primaries against Dr. George Moghalu, former Director General of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA).

A letter signed by Nwosu cited alleged irregularities in the delegates' list, including alterations and falsification of names, as the reason for his withdrawal.

According to him, the said delegates list was only submitted hours before the primary election.

His statement read: "After a diligent review of all the activities, illegalities, and indecent conduct by officials of the Labour Party at the national and state levels charged with the conduct of the governorship primary election for Anambra State, it is clear that they fell short of the provisions of the Constitution of our dear Labour Party, INEC guidelines, and regulations.

The Supreme Court's recent decision to sack Barr. Julius Abure as the National Chairman of the Labour Party implies that any activities led by Abure since his tenure expired are null and void.

It is cogent and verifiable that no delegates' congress took place in any of the 21 LGAs of Anambra State, and yet a list of purported delegates emerged.

That list was altered several times and was only posted at the party secretariat eight hours to the primary's scheduled start time, contrary to the electoral guidelines.

Accordingly, any outcome of the primary elections as scheduled will be tainted with severe irregularities, illegalities and will be unacceptable.

As such, I wish to dissociate myself from participating in this primary election, which is already a charade contrary to natural justice, equity and good conscience. I am convinced that my participation in the primary will lend credence to illegality, erosion of due process and also offend my sense of integrity, Christian values and principles.

I fervently believe that my teeming supporters, campaign staff, friends and well wishers in Anambra State, Nigeria and beyond will understand and appreciate my decision not to participate in this very flawed Anambra State Governorship Primary Election of the Labour Party. I stand ready to serve and participate in future political processes that are credible transparent and fair."