The Labour Party LP, has strongly protested its exclusion from a planned debate for governorship candidates in Ondo State, claiming it misleads voters ahead of the November 16 election.
The debate, organized by Channels Television, will feature candidates from the All Progressives Congress APC and the Peoples Democratic Party PDP, who are referred to as the “leading candidates” for the governorship.
Johnson Egbodofo, Director of Publicity for the Labour Party Campaign Organisation in Ondo State, criticized Channels Television for omitting their candidate, Olusola Nehemiah Ebiseni. He argued that this exclusion undermines the democratic process and misrepresents Ondo’s political landscape.
Egbodofo stated that the party has reached out to Channels Television in hopes of resolving the issue.
“We contacted Channels and its officials to express our concerns, particularly to Seun Okinbaloye, the debate anchor. It’s vital that the media does not mislead the public by presenting a biased view of the candidates,” he noted in a press statement.
The Labour Party emphasized its historical significance in the state, having governed from 2009 to 2017.
Egbodofo reminded the public of the party’s past achievements, asserting, “The Labour Party is the immediate predecessor of the current APC administration in Ondo State and remains one of Nigeria’s largest parties.”
He questioned the reasoning behind designating only the APC and PDP candidates as leading, suggesting it could distort public perception.
“This debate format is not only unfair but also risks limiting the choices available to voters,” he stated.
Egbodofo reaffirmed the party’s willingness to participate in the debate, insisting that Channels Television must ensure fair representation of all viable candidates.
“If Channels cannot provide equitable coverage for all parties, it should reconsider holding the debate altogether,” he concluded.
As the election nears, the Labour Party’s call for inclusive dialogue and fair media representation highlights the contentious nature of politics in Ondo State.
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