Eshiorameh Sebastian in Abuja
The Labour Party has announced the successful conclusion of its nationwide congresses, heralding the election of new executive leaders across 35 states in what it described as a triumph of internal democracy.
The party’s national leadership, under Chairman Julius Abure, commended the process, stating that party members were given a free hand to choose their leaders without interference.
In a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh on Saturday, the party affirmed that from the commencement of the ward congresses on Tuesday through to their conclusion, no negative report was received from its national monitoring teams.
The exercises, which were observed by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies, were applauded as “one of the most transparent Congresses in Nigeria.”
Barrister Abure, commenting on the outcome, emphasised the party’s commitment to its reformed governance structures. “We are happy that the party leaders across the state complied with all the laid down rules by ensuring that only the choice of the party members emerged across all levels of our leadership,” he said.
“This Congress was actually used to test run the reforms this leadership introduced and we are happy that it worked”, he added.
He reiterated a core principle of his stewardship, stating, “Under my leadership, we have insisted that no individual will be bigger than the party and everyone who has subscribed to be a member of the party must subsume to the party’s authority.”
The party did, however, note a sole exception to the nationwide exercise. Abia State was suspended from participating after what the party described as obstructive actions by individuals affiliated with the state government, who procured a court injunction. “As a law abiding party we have chosen to obey the order. We have also delegated our legal team to vacate the order as soon as practicable to enable us hold our Congress in Abia state”, Abure explained.
Looking ahead, the Labour Party declared its readiness for the next electoral cycle, asserting that it has constructively moved past its internal challenges. “There is no gain saying that Labour Party is ready for 2027 general election,” Abure affirmed.
He concluded by urging all members to rally behind the newly elected state executives to build upon the party’s achievements in the last general election.
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