During a recent stakeholders meeting in Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the Labour Party’s gubernatorial candidate in the 2023 elections, voiced his concerns about the Federal Government’s lack of direction and effective policies to alleviate the hardships facing Nigerians. He expressed disappointment that, despite high voter turnout and aspirations during the elections, citizens find themselves grappling with increased suffering due to the leadership of President Bola Tinubu. Rhodes-Vivour emphasized the importance of not losing hope in the Nigerian dream, highlighting that better leadership could lead to national improvement.
Rhodes-Vivour lamented the widespread disillusionment among citizens who had pinned their hopes for change on the recent elections. He articulated a pressing need for new leadership, stating that the country has experienced the adverse effects of poor governance. He advocated for the selection of leaders who genuinely prioritize the welfare of their people over personal interests. This call for a responsible leadership echoed a broader sentiment among party members and stakeholders, reaffirming their united front against the prevailing hardships.
The meeting also sought to address internal challenges within the Labour Party, as Rhodes-Vivour acknowledged ongoing leadership struggles in the organization. He portrayed the gathering as a crucial opportunity to unify fragmented party members as they prepare for future elections. He emphasized that all political parties encounter difficulties and pointed to similar issues in the more established parties, APC and PDP. He signaled a commitment to fostering unity and collaboration within the Labour Party, indicating that the meeting was just the beginning of a series of collective engagements.
Gbenga Ekundayo, the Lagos State Chairman of the Trade Union Congress, supported Rhodes-Vivour’s remarks by stressing the party’s broader commitment to national development. He expressed concern about the Nigeria Labour Congress’s marginalization in recent party operations, emphasizing the need to incorporate labor elements into political processes. Ekundayo articulated a vision of a unified labour movement to advocate for the common welfare of Nigerians, indicating that the party’s success will hinge on its ability to align political activities with the interests of workers and the broader populace.
Further remarks from Francis Igbokwe, the Chairman of the NLC Political Commission, echoed the commitment to unity and strategic positioning for future political challenges, particularly the approaching 2027 elections. He framed the Labour Party as the viable alternative in Nigerian politics and underscored the importance of maintaining peace and collaboration among members. Igbokwe’s sentiments highlighted a collective drive towards reinforcing the party’s image and infrastructure to ensure it can effectively contest and appeal to the electorate in forthcoming elections.
The backdrop of these discussions was underscored by recent legal affirmations supporting the Abure-led leadership of the Labour Party, with a Federal High Court ruling that strengthened the party’s governance structure ahead of future political activities. As the party members collaborated during the stakeholders meeting, there was a palpable sense of urgency for the Labour Party to present a unified and focused political platform. This collective aim is not only to address present challenges but to lay a solid foundation for the party’s aspirations in the political landscape of Nigeria. With a focus on healing divisions and fostering cooperation, the Labour Party aims to emerge as a formidable force in Nigerian politics moving forward.
