In a bold move, the Labour Party has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to its former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, demanding his formal resignation from the party following his recent decision to join a coalition party.
The announcement was made by Obiora Ifoh, the National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, who emphasized the party’s disinterest in aligning with the coalition.
Ifoh stated, “Labour Party while reiterating its disinterestedness in joining the coalition said that the members of the coalition are power mongers whose only interest was self and not the people.” He further criticized the coalition, asserting that the often-repeated slogan of a “new Nigeria is Possible” is merely a facade. “This cannot be achieved with the assemblage of old, recycled, desperate and frustrated politicians in the coalition,” he added.
The Labour Party’s statement highlighted its concerns regarding the coalition’s members, many of whom Ifoh accused of mismanaging Nigeria in the past. “Desperate politicians can’t birth new Nigeria,” he declared, underscoring the party’s commitment to a fresh political approach.
Ifoh also revealed that the party is aware of “several nocturnal meetings” between Obi and some Labour Party members, who have been lobbied to join him in his new political venture. However, he noted that many members have chosen to remain loyal to the Labour Party. “Labour Party has consistently said it is not part of the coalition and therefore, any of our members who is part of the coalition is given within 48 hours to formally resign his membership of the party,” he stated.
The National Publicity Secretary further expressed the party’s stance against individuals with “dual agendas” and “deceptive personas.” He warned, “Labour Party is not available for people with dual agenda, people with deceptive persona.”
Ifoh emphasized the importance of youth in the political landscape, stating, “Nearly 70 percent of Nigerian population are youths who are tired of the old order, tired of gerontocrats deciding their fate.” He asserted that the vision of a new Nigeria can only be realized through the Labour Party, which he believes is prepared to lead the nation towards that goal.
In closing, Ifoh urged all party members to remain loyal and maintain the party structure intact as they prepare for future elections. “The new Nigeria of our dream can only be realized through Labour Party and the party is willing to lead Nigerians along that trajectory,” he concluded.
