A source within the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has revealed why Julius Abure, the factional national chairman of the Labour Party was not invited by the commission in its latest meeting with leaders of political parties ahead of the off-cycle elections in Edo and Ondo states, scheduled for September 21 and November 11, respectively.

The source who spoke to Daily Trust said the decision the sideline Abure was as a result of the ongoing faction dispute within the Labour Party.

Recall that INEC distanced itself from the LP convention in March 27, 2024, in Nnewi, Anambra State, where Abure was re-elected as national chairman. In a letter after Abure emerged as National Chairman, INEC indicated that it did not monitor the convention and, therefore, could not validate its outcome.

The absense of Abure mirrored a similar scenario on August 14, when he was also excluded from the third regular quarterly consultative meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).

This development comes at the time the LP’s internal conflict continues to deepen. The party’s sole governor, Dr. Alex Otti of Abia State, and its 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, have scheduled a special meeting in Umuahia for next Wednesday, aiming to address the crisis and restore unity within the party.