On Friday, the leadership of the Labour Party publicly refuted rumors suggesting that Julius Abure, their National Chairman, is covertly aligning with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). This statement was released in Abuja by Obiora Ifoh, the party’s National Publicity Secretary. Ifoh attributed the initiation of these baseless allegations to the Nigeria Labour Congress and former party member Kenneth Okonkwo, labeling the accusations a mere fabrication. He asserted that these claims were strategically intended to undermine the Labour Party and bolster rival political factions.
Ifoh emphasized the need for the Labour Party leadership to promptly counter such misleading narratives that could potentially destabilize the party. Following the recent court ruling affirming Abure as chairman, Ifoh claimed that certain individuals, including Okonkwo and the acting Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Political Commission, were propagating the misleading idea that Abure’s leadership was acting in favor of the APC, particularly in light of the Labour Party’s recent judicial victories. He insisted that these assertions were not only incorrect but were part of a broader scheme to tarnish the party’s reputation.
Moreover, Ifoh urged the NLC to refrain from interfering in party matters and to focus on their core responsibilities. He noted that the leadership under Abure has demonstrated its commitment through the success of Labour Party candidates in the recent 2023 elections and subsequent legal challenges, asserting that the Labour Party has been more critical of the APC than the NLC. Ifoh highlighted the NLC’s historical failures in advocating for Nigerian workers, suggesting that accusations leveled at the Labour Party were ironic and an instance of role reversal, with the NLC appearing to support the APC instead.
He further argued that the leadership of the Labour Party remains staunchly independent and committed to its mandate, countering the notion that it is collaborating with the APC. By detailing the Labour Party’s principled opposition to the current governance and emphasizing its autonomy, Ifoh sought to clarify that the party’s focus and agenda do not align with those of the ruling party.
Addressing Kenneth Okonkwo directly, Ifoh expressed the party’s decision to abstain from engaging in disputes with him, implying that Okonkwo was out of touch with the current political landscape. He characterized Okonkwo’s conflicting statements as a reflection of instability and confusion regarding his political stance. Instead, Ifoh suggested that Okonkwo should return to his roots in entertainment, where he might find more success and clarity.
In conclusion, the Labour Party’s leadership has taken a stand against what they perceive as ill-intentioned and misguided criticisms of their governance. By defending Abure and emphasizing the party’s independent political identity, they aim to reinforce their commitment to their constituents and position themselves as a credible alternative in Nigeria’s political sphere. The party’s resilience in the face of these challenges reflects its broader strategy to maintain political integrity and focus on advocacy for the Nigerian populace.
