As residents of Nasarawa State gear up for local government elections set for November 2, 2024, the state chapter of the Labour Party is calling for a peaceful and credible electoral process. During an event in Lafia, the state capital, the Labour Party’s Chairman, Alexander Ombugu, emphasized the party’s readiness to actively participate in the elections. He highlighted the commencement of screening for aspirants seeking chairmanship and councilor positions, a critical step leading to the primary elections scheduled for October 15. This proactive approach reflects the party’s commitment to democratic processes, while Ombugu’s public reassurances underscore the importance of integrity in the elections overseen by the State Independent Electoral Commission.
Ombugu’s statements indicate optimism regarding NASIEC’s assurances of a fair polling environment, expressing a commitment to monitoring the process closely. By publicly urging the electoral body to uphold its promise of a transparent election, Ombugu reinforces the trust that the Labour Party places in institutional frameworks to protect democratic values. Additionally, the chairman pointed out that the decision to contest in the upcoming local government elections is influenced by the confidence exuded by NASIEC’s commitment to ensuring an unbiased electoral process. The party’s engagement aims to embody democratic principles at the local level, ensuring that community voices are accurately represented.
Central to Omgbugu’s vision for local governance is the support for the recent Supreme Court judgment that granted full autonomy to all 774 local governments across Nigeria. He argues that this autonomy is vital for promoting democracy at the grassroots level, allowing local authorities the necessary power to implement decisions beneficial to rural residents. This alignment with the push for local government autonomy speaks to a broader ambition among political parties to foster greater accountability and responsiveness to the needs of ordinary citizens, enhancing governance in underserved communities.
The ongoing leadership crisis at the national level of the Labour Party was also addressed by Ombugu, who publicly backed the party’s national chairman, Julius Abure. Ombugu praised Abure for his recent legal victory affirming his leadership and the legitimacy of the March 2024 national convention, framing it as a validation of transparent leadership within the party. This endorsement is strategically important, as it signals to party members in Nasarawa State and beyond that the local chapter is unified and firmly supports Abure’s vision and objectives.
The chairman’s remarks about Abure and the challenges he faces suggest internal strife that often accompanies political leadership. Ombugu condemned the actions of those attempting to undermine Abure’s leadership, attributing their dissent to discomfort with his commitment to transparency. By aligning the Nasarawa State Labour Party with Abure’s vision, Ombugu aims to enhance party cohesion and mitigate divisive conflicts within the party that could distract from electoral objectives.
In conclusion, the Labour Party in Nasarawa State is proactively engaging in the upcoming local government elections, with a significant focus on ensuring a credible electoral process. The party’s leadership not only seeks to benefit from the recent legal affirmations supporting its national leadership but also strives for grassroots empowerment through local government autonomy. As they prepare to face potential challenges posed by internal party dynamics and external electoral pressures, the Labour Party under Ombugu’s guidance appears committed to championing democratic values and effective governance, which they believe are crucial for the progress of the state and its communities.
