Labour Party Replaces Running Mate Amid Disqualification Bid in Edo Governorship Race

In a surprising turn of events in the lead-up to the 2024 Edo State governorship election, the Labour Party (LP) has replaced its running mate just as a rival candidate seeks to have the party's gubernatorial candidate disqualified.

The move comes as tensions rise and political manoeuvring intensifies ahead of the critical state election.

According to party sources, the Labour Party has selected a new running mate to join its gubernatorial candidate on the ticket. The identity of the replacement has not yet been officially announced. This last-minute substitution adds an unexpected twist to the already heated political contest.

Meanwhile, Kenneth Imansuangbon, a prominent contender in the race, is reportedly seeking to have the Labour Party's candidate disqualified from participating in the election altogether. The grounds for the disqualification bid remain unclear at this time. Imansuangbon's campaign has not provided further details on the specific allegations or legal basis for the attempt to remove the LP candidate from the ballot.

The Labour Party has not issued an official response to the disqualification effort. Party leaders and the gubernatorial candidate are expected to address the matter in the coming days as they file their final candidate paperwork with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Why this matters: The Edo State governorship election is seen as a key battleground and potential bellwether for the 2024 general elections. The outcome could provide insights into shifting political alliances and voter sentiments ahead of the national polls.

As the deadline for finalizing the candidate lineup approaches, observers are closely watching how the Labour Party navigates this sudden running mate replacement and defends against the disqualification attempt. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the final slate of candidates vying to lead Edo State for the next four years.

Key Takeaways

• Nigeria's Labour Party (LP) replaces running mate ahead of Edo 2024 governorship election
• Rival candidate are seeking to disqualify LP's gubernatorial candidate
• Grounds for disqualification bid remain unclear and LP has yet to respond
• The final candidate lineup to be determined in the coming weeks