Warn against attacks, say no semblance of factions in party
Chairmen of the Labour Party (LP) in the 19 Northern States have declared their support for the presidential candidate of the party in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, warning against undue attacks on him.
Addressing newsmen, yesterday, in Bauchi State, the Zonal Vice Chairman of the party, Muhammad Lawal, who spoke on behalf of the 19 state chairmen, said the Forum of Labour Party Chairmen and Secretaries from the North “stands with Obi and frowns on anyone” bent on dragging his image to mud.
He said: “We reaffirm our unwavering support for Obi, who embodies the character and distinguished principles that define LP and the great future of our country’s unity. We stand in solidarity with him, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Obidient Movement groups and other stakeholders, who are committed to sanitising the party and upholding its integrity.
“Next, we wish to make it unequivocally clear that there is no semblance of the so-called ‘Apapa faction’ or ‘Abure faction’ within our party any longer.”
According to him, the erstwhile Lamidi Apapa faction was formed out of necessity, in response to Julius Abure’s failure to adhere to a court order restraining him from acting as the National Chairman.
“This led proactive members like me to identify with Baba Apapa, who was at the time the Deputy National Chairman, as the acting National Chairman. However, in the interest of party unity and progression, we have collectively agreed today to the disbandment of these factions and move forward as one cohesive party,” he added.
Lawal warned members of the party against using derogatory remarks against Obi, saying “such behaviour is unacceptable” and would not be tolerated within the party.
“We commend the efforts of our esteemed principals, Obi and Ahmed Datti, Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, NLC, our respected senators, House of Representatives members, state lawmakers, Forum of LP candidates, those that have won and those that lost, LP chapter chairman, Obedient Movement groups, and party members, who distanced themselves from the March 27, 2024 convention in Anambra State.
“Your decision to follow due process in conducting proper National Convention from ward level up to the national level and your dedication to the values of our party in putting things right is truly commendable,” he said. (Guardian)
