2 mn read
The Labour Party National Assembly and State Assembly Candidates Forum (NASAF) has strongly condemned recent statements made by the party’s embattled National Chairman, Mr. Julius Abure, regarding the party’s 2027 presidential ticket. Abure’s claim that the ticket is no longer reserved for the 2023 candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has been described by NASAF as unfounded and unsupported by key party stakeholders.
NASAF’S POSITION:
- REJECTION OF REMARKS: NASAF, represented by Chairman Engr. Osereme Omofoma and Secretary Mr. Abideen Adam, rejected Abure’s assertions, insisting that Obi remains the Labour Party’s candidate for the 2027 presidential election.
- CALL FOR RESIGNATION: NASAF has urged Abure to step down from his position as chairman, citing the expiration of his tenure and the negative impact of his continued leadership on the party.
- CLARIFICATION OF AUTHORITY: The statement emphasized that Abure, who is no longer the chairman, lacks the authority to make such declarations or decisions for the party. NASAF accused him of causing confusion within the party and warned that his unilateral actions are unacceptable.
IMPACT ON THE PARTY:
- DISRUPTIONS TO ELECTORAL PROCESSES: NASAF highlighted that Abure’s refusal to relinquish power is disrupting the party’s participation in upcoming state and national assembly bye-elections, leading to the Labour Party’s exclusion from certain arrangements by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
- SUPPORT FOR PARTY PRINCIPLES: NASAF backed the resolutions reached in a meeting convened by Obi and Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, affirming their alignment with the party’s values of equity, fairness, and justice.
CALL TO ACTION:
- REQUEST FOR IMMEDIATE ACTION: NASAF called on Abure to step aside to prevent further damage to the party’s reputation and operations. They urged him and his allies to prioritize the party’s future and allow new leadership to guide it.
- COMMITMENT TO PARTY VALUES: NASAF reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the Labour Party’s mission and principles, emphasizing that any attempts to destabilize the party will be met with strong resistance.
The forum stressed the importance of moving forward with leadership that reflects the party’s democratic values and dedication to progress.