Yinusa Tanko, the chief spokesperson for the Obi-Datti campaign organization, revealed that Julius Abure, the national chairman of the Labour Party, disregarded the advice of the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, regarding an all-inclusive convention. Tanko made this statement during an interview on Channels TV’s Sunrise Daily on Monday. He emphasized that the ongoing crisis within the Labour Party could have been avoided if the leadership had heeded Obi’s counsel.
Tanko explained that the recently concluded national convention of the party, which saw Abure reinstated as the national chairman, lacked inclusivity. According to Tanko, Obi had actively recommended broad consultations involving stakeholders such as the TUC, NLC, and young leaders keen on Nigeria’s progress. Despite Obi’s efforts to foster dialogue and propose solutions, Tanko lamented that politics often veers from such constructive paths.
Tanko highlighted that while Abure has the right to contest for the national chairmanship position again, it’s crucial to uphold fairness by involving more participants in the process. He criticized Abure for deviating from the initial agreement for an all-inclusive convention, starting from grassroots levels to the national stage.
Tanko stressed that the convention held in Nnewi, Anambra State, where Abure was reinstated as the party leader, did not adhere to the agreed-upon inclusivity standards and was therefore not universally accepted within the party ranks.
Regarding the potential impact of the party’s crisis on Obi’s political future, Tanko expressed confidence, labeling Obi as a brand unto himself. He asserted that he and many others would continue to stand by Obi regardless of the party’s internal challenges.
Obi-Datti – The Labour Party’s convention on March 27
The Labour Party’s convention on March 27 in Nnewi saw Abure re-elected as the National Chairman for a second term amidst objections from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) confirmed its lack of monitoring, and the party’s Board of Trustees argued that Abure’s tenure had expired. Ahead of the convention, the NLC had demanded Abure’s resignation and the formation of a caretaker transition committee for a legitimate and inclusive national convention.
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