LP, ADP open talks on ‘Voters Ballot Alliance’ ahead of FCT, Osun polls

Following an inaugural consultation between the Labour Party (LP) and the Action Democratic Party (ADP), both parties have commenced discussions aimed at forming a broad political alliance to adopt consensus candidates in future elections. The talks are expected to begin with the Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections and the Osun State governorship poll.

The Labour Party was represented at the meeting by its Acting National Publicity Secretary, Prince Tony Akeni, while the Action Democratic Party was represented by its National Youth Leader, Chinazam Ike.

According to a report by The Punch, Akeni described the proposed arrangement as a significant departure from conventional political party mergers.

“The concept of ‘Voters Ballot Alliance’ is the first of its kind in our country’s democratic practice. From independence till date, there is no record like it,” he said.

He explained that, unlike traditional mergers which require amendments to party constitutions, names and registration documents with the electoral commission, the ballot alliance model is entirely voluntary.

“While conventional political party mergers entail mandatory amendment of party name, constitution and other registration instruments with the electoral commission, the concept of a ‘Voters Ballot Alliance’ is a voluntary agreement among multi-party grassroots faithfuls reached by participating political parties,” Akeni said.

According to him, the arrangement involves adopting the most viable and electorally acceptable candidate among those presented by participating parties in a particular election, without requiring any party to abandon its platform or identity.

He further explained that the rationale behind the initiative is to prevent opposition parties from splitting their votes and losing elections to what he described as oppressive or unfavourable political forces.

“Instead of various political parties fragmenting their votes, the parties in a constituency can come together, agree on a candidate ahead of the election, and also reach post-victory terms of office or power-sharing,” he added.

Under the proposed framework, participating parties would jointly campaign, protect votes and ensure that election results truly reflect the will of the electorate.

Speaking on behalf of the ADP, Chinazam Ike said young people would play a central role in driving the alliance.

“The youths are the strength and vanguard of elections. If Nigeria’s youths, who constitute the largest bloc of voters, key into the outstanding benefits of the Ballot Alliance concept, good governance, which has eluded our country for so long, can be achieved in record time,” he said.

He disclosed that the parties plan to pilot the ballot alliance model in several upcoming elections to test its effectiveness.