From Paul Orude, Bauchi
The crisis rocking the Labour Party (LP) has taken a fresh dimension as Chairmen and Secretaries of the party in the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have condemned attacks launched by Dr Abayomi Arabambi against the party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Mr Peter Obl.
The Chairmen and Secretaries of the party led by Muhammad Abdullahi Lawal, Zonal Vice Chairman at a press conference took exception to Arabambi, the National Publicity Secretary of the Lamidi Apapa-led faction of the Labour Party tirade on Obi
“Labour Party has always prided itself on its commitment to democratic principles, fairness, and respectful discourse,” Lawal, speaking on behalf of the others, stated.
“It is deeply disheartening to see someone considered to be a party member, resort to unwarranted attacks and character assassination against our principal. While we respect differing opinions and criticisms, it is essential that these criticisms are constructive, respectful, and well-founded.
Arabambi’s derogatory comments against our Principal, Mr Peter Obi, are not only disrespectful but also detrimental to the image and progress of our party.
“Despite numerous warnings and appeals, Dr Arabambi has persisted in his unruly behaviour and continued this attack against HE Peter Obl, on one occasion, calling him “a tribalistic bigot.” As representatives of the LP, we cannot tolerate such actions that undermine the principles and values of our party. Therefore, we openly distance ourselves from Dr. Arabambi and his derogatory remarks.
“Furthermore, we want to call on Dr Arabambi to cease his derogatory remarks against H.E Peter Obi, such behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated within our party.
“Sequel to this, we reaffirm our unwavering support for HE Peter Obi, who embodies the character and distinguished principles that define the Labour Party and the great future of our country’s unity.
“We stand in solidarity with him, the Nigeria Labour Congress INLC), the Obidient movement groups and all other stakeholders who are committed to sanitizing the party and upholding its integrity.
“Next, we wish to make it unequivocally clear that there is no longer any semblance of the so-called Apapa faction or Abure faction within our party. The erstwhile Apapa faction was formed out of necessity in response to Barrister Abure’s failure to adhere to a court order restraining him from acting as the national chairman.
“This led proactive members like myself 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.
“As some of you may be aware, some of us were once close allies of Julius Abure. However, following a restraining order by the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, presided by Justice Hamza Muazu, on April 5th, 2023, where Barrister Abure and others were restrained from parading themselves as National officers of the party, we tried hard to let Barrister Julius Abure understand the implication of the said order and the need of him to respect the valid and subsisting court order but all to no avail. As loyal members of the party, we had no choice but to sever ties with him in the interest of our party.
“It is with great concern that we highlight the weighty accusations of financial mismanagement levelled against Barrister Abure. Any individual with a genuine commitment to the party’s welfare and integrity would have willingly resigned from their position pending the outcome of investigations. However, Barrister Abure’s failure to do so speaks volumes about his greed and lack of accountability.
“Furthermore, Barrister Abure’s claim to the position of National Chairman is illegitimate, as it stems from a purported National Convention that was neither legitimate nor all-inclusive. A true leader respects democratic principles and ensures that all members of the party are adequately represented in such crucial decision-making processes.”
