The Chairman of the Labour Party (LP) in Lagos State, Dayo Ekong, has pleaded with the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, to join forces with the embattled National Chairman of the party, Julius Abure, to move the LP forward.
In a statement on Wednesday, Ekong stated that the March 27 National convention of the party, which was held in Nnewi, Anambra State, had been validated by a court of competent jurisdiction.
She explained that the powers to convene National Executive Council (NEC) and National Working Committee (NWC) meetings of the party are only vested with the national chairman of the party.
“While we acknowledge His Excellency,the executive Governor of Abia State as the leader of the party in his State, we urge him to join forces and support the National Chairman of the party, Barr Julius Abure and his team to move the party forward especially at this time that the 2027 general elections is fast approaching,” Ekong stated.
“The Labour Party remains a democratic organization that encourages free expression of ideas and opinions among its members.
“We believe in open dialogue and constructive engagement as essential tools for resolving any differences within our ranks.
“It is this freedom of expression that strengthens our party and reinforces our commitment to upholding the principles of democracy,” she added.
Meanwhile, LP’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi joined Otti on Wednesday in Abia to confirm Abure’s exit as chairman of the party.
The party after its special meeting appointed former Minister of Finance, Senator Esther Nenadi Usman, as Chairman of its Caretaker Committee.
Her appointment was announced during the party’s expanded stakeholders meeting held in Umuahia.