Ondo Election: LP’s Ebiseni refutes disqualification claims, criticizes INEC
Olusola Ebiseni, the former Labour Party (LP) gubernatorial candidate in Ondo State, has criticized the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for disqualifying him from the November 16 governorship election just hours before the polls.
INEC replaced Ebiseni and his running mate, Dayo Awude, with Dr. Olorunfemi Ayodele, citing a Court of Appeal ruling.
Ebiseni, however, condemned the decision, describing it as a calculated effort to undermine the opposition.
In a statement, Ebiseni said: “Contrary to claims in some quarters, the validity of our candidacy, established by Ayo Olorunfemi and executed by the Abure-led National Working Committee, was never questioned by the Party, INEC, or any court. No court ordered our disqualification, as no such prayers were filed, and courts do not grant reliefs not sought.”
He accused INEC of reviving the candidacy of Olorunfemi, despite his formal withdrawal backed by an affidavit, labeling it as part of a larger “national orchestra of electoral gangsterism.”
Ebiseni further alleged that INEC’s decision to enforce a judgment without serving him or reading the details in open court reflected bias.
“INEC, which delayed uploading our names for over a month, acted with unusual speed to misinterpret and enforce a judgment against us just hours before the election,” he said.
The former candidate recounted a legal battle initiated in August 2024, where his lawyer, Dr. O.J. Onoja, SAN, sought a Federal High Court directive compelling INEC to upload his name and that of his running mate.
Justice Emeka Nwite granted the order on September 27, 2024. However, the matter advanced to the Supreme Court after a Notice of Appeal and a Motion for Stay of Execution were filed on November 14.
Ebiseni also voiced disappointment over being excluded from the gubernatorial debate, calling it a lost chance to present his vision for the state.
Additionally, he revealed plans to pursue legal action to clear his name after being accused of forgery by Olorunfemi in media reports.
