Former Presidential Aide, Mr. Laolu Akande, is asking the Labour Party’s Presidential Candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, Abia State Governor, Mr. Alex Otti and the Nigeria Labour Congress to all work together to save the party.
Akande spoke in an interview on Channels TV’s Noon Politics.
He expressed disappointment with the current leadership of the Labour Party under Mr. Julius Abure, noting that they do not appreciate the significance of what the LP has come to represent in Nigeria’s democratic landscape.
“I think the leadership of the Labour Party as it is presently constituted doesn’t seem to understand the role that Labour Party has come to play in the development of the democratic space in Nigeria.”
“Labour Party showed during the last election that it is still very possible for people to be mobilized. People that are otherwise not impressed by the two dominant parties, Labour Party has shown that those people can still be brought in to the space, into the conversation. It is a major dynamic.
” Now, if Mr Abure and his friends understand this, they will not put their interests ahead of those of the Nigerian people”
He further emphasized that the Labour Party demonstrated during the last election its ability to mobilize individuals who were disenchanted with the two dominant parties. This, he argued, underscores the party’s potential to broaden the conversation and engage a wider spectrum of the Nigerian populace.
However, Akande lamented the disorganization and lack of inspiration within the Labour Party, highlighting a stark contrast to its previous promise as a formidable alternative to the established political entities.
He said, “It is quite a big disappointment that the Labour Party is showing itself to be as disorganized, as uninspiring as the other major parties that it showed the whole world that they can give a run for their money. This is just a very heartbreaking thing that is going on in the Labour Party. And I hope that the voices of Mr Peter Obi and Governor Otti will prevail and the voices of the Labour leadership.
“Mr Abure has done a very poor job in articulating whatever may be the reasons for his current behavior”, Akande said.
He called upon the leadership, particularly Mr. Julius Abure, the party’s national chairman, to prioritize the interests of the Nigerian people and harness the party’s potential for positive change.
Regarding the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC)’s claim of ownership over the Labour Party, Akande emphasized the importance of resolving this issue promptly.
He cautioned that failure to address this matter could relegate the Labour Party to obscurity, diminishing its status as a viable alternative voice in the political arena.
Akande criticized Mr. Abure’s handling of the challenges facing the party, noting a lack of robust response to issues raised by the NLC, Peter Obi, and other stakeholders. He warned that without effective management, the excitement surrounding the Labour Party would dissipate, leaving its supporters disillusioned.
Against what is believed to be the popular opinion among leaders of the party, Abure secured another term as chairman on Wednesday.
Obi, Otti, and other key figures of Labour Party were missing at the convention where Abure was reelected.
It held in Nnewi, Anambra State.
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