The Nigerian Tribune reports that after a contentious expanded stakeholders meeting called by Abia State Governor Alex Otti, there is new strain within the Labour Party (LP). The party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) declared the meeting unlawful, during which Nenadi Usman, a former finance minister, was named chairman of the interim committee. This event has sparked worries about possible party splits, especially since some elected officials may be considering quitting because of the seeming disarray in the leadership.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
In a recent interview, Deputy National Chairman of the Labour Party, Dr. Ayo Olorunfemi, expressed his views on the crisis, hinting at an underlying plan by certain factions to defect to other parties.
He emphasized that the party would not hold anyone back if they chose to leave, especially for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Olorunfemi noted, “That is exactly what they are planning to do; we are not forcing them to stay. They have their own plan. If they want to go to PDP, they can go to PDP if they like. We were here when they came, and we provided shelter to them.”
While acknowledging the internal challenges, Olorunfemi expressed optimism about the future of the Labour Party.
According to him, the party’s focus is on the next general elections and bringing forth a candidate who is untainted by the current political culture in Nigeria.
He described the kind of leader the party is working towards: “We believe that Nigerians are looking forward to the Labour Party. And we are going to bring somebody who is not in any way known in the political circle but has the integrity that will sync with the Nigerian public to run the next election.”
This statement reflects the Labour Party’s intention to reposition itself as a vehicle for genuine change, especially as Nigerians continue to express dissatisfaction with the current political establishment.
Olorunfemi hinted that the party is searching for a candidate who aligns with the core values that the party seeks to project – someone who has integrity and is committed to real transformation.
“I am assuring you, we are working on that. Some of us are working on that. That person could be a trade unionist. That person could be a human rights activist,” Olorunfemi said, indicating the broad scope of individuals the party is considering as potential flagbearers.
The ongoing crisis in the Labour Party comes at a time when the Nigerian political landscape is particularly volatile, with shifting allegiances, defections, and internal disputes common among parties.
The Labour Party’s internal rift reflects broader challenges facing opposition parties in Nigeria, where infighting and power struggles often undermine efforts to present a united front against the ruling party.
Olorunfemi, however, remains confident that the party can emerge stronger from the crisis, noting that they are determined to bring forward a candidate who is not a “hypocrite” or someone who merely “plays to the gallery.”
“With the way Nigeria is going, they should wait for us. We are coming because we are going to bring somebody who is not known to the kind of politics that is going on in Nigeria, who is desirous of the change that is required in Nigeria, who is not a hypocrite, who does not play to the gallery, like some of these people who have been playing to the gallery and deceiving Nigerians,” Olorunfemi emphasized.
His comments suggest that the Labour Party aims to distance itself from the traditional political elites and present itself as a genuine alternative to the status quo.
Despite these bold declarations, the crisis within the Labour Party is far from over. The NEC’s opposition to Governor Otti’s convening of the stakeholders meeting and the subsequent appointment of Nenadi Usman as caretaker committee chairman has further deepened divisions within the party.
The NEC views the move as unconstitutional, adding fuel to the ongoing dispute over leadership and direction.
Governor Otti, on the other hand, appears to be attempting to assert his influence within the party, possibly as part of a broader strategy to solidify his position ahead of future political contests.
The current situation within the Labour Party raises critical questions about its ability to remain cohesive and present a united front to voters. Internal conflicts such as this can weaken a party’s standing, especially if defections become a reality.
The party’s leadership will need to work diligently to resolve these disputes and refocus its efforts on the upcoming elections if it hopes to maintain credibility and attract the support of disillusioned voters seeking an alternative to Nigeria’s traditional political parties.
while the Labour Party faces significant challenges, Olorunfemi’s remarks suggest that the party remains committed to bringing forth a fresh and credible candidate who aligns with its vision for Nigeria’s future.
The party’s ability to navigate this crisis and present a united front will be crucial to its success in the coming months.
As the political landscape in Nigeria continues to evolve, the Labour Party must carefully manage its internal disputes while positioning itself as a credible alternative capable of driving real change.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
