The Labour Party (LP) in Lagos State on Friday declared that it was not in alliance with any political party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party also reaffirmed its strength, unity and commitment toward providing credible leadership for Nigerians, despite recent defections and internal leadership disputes.
Addressing journalists at a news conference in Lagos, the party’s General Secretary, Chief Sam Okpala, said the briefing became necessary owing to speculations about the future of the party.
“We want to assure Nigerians and Lagosians that the Labour Party has come to stay.We are not in alliance with any political party.
“The Labour Party remains the best platform because of what we represent — social democracy, equality and people-oriented governance,” he said.
According to him, LP remained the only political party in Nigeria that is not owned and controlled by a small group of people.
“The party belongs to the people and the working class across Nigeria.
“That is why we can confidently say Labour Party remains one of the biggest political platforms in the country,” he said.
He maintained that the structure of the party in the state remained intact across all local government areas.
Okpala also said all factions within the state chapter were working together toward presenting credible candidates for the 2027 elections.
“All various groups within the Labour Party in the state are working together to produce the best candidates that will protect the interests of the people,” he added.
The LP chieftain described the leadership tussle at the national level as part of normal democratic challenges.
He said no political party was immune from internal disputes.
“The issue of leadership crisis is not peculiar to Labour Party, even advanced democracies experience internal disagreements.
“What matters is the ability to resolve them through constitutional means,” he said.
He disclosed that the party had approached the Supreme Court for clarification on the leadership matter.
“Labour Party under the leadership of Julius Abure has gone to the Supreme Court to seek clarification so that records can be properly set straight.
“We believe the court will do justice in the matter,” he said.
Okpalla urged residents choose their leaders and not sell their votes during the 2027 elections.
“There is no amount of money, food or stipend that can sustain anyone for four years.
“Lagosians and Nigerians must rise and defend democracy by voting for credible leaders.”
He criticised the dominance of one political party in the state,saying the state deserved a better deal.
“For nearly three decades,residents are still battling traffic congestion, poor environmental sanitation and other basic challenges.
“Governance is not rocket science. Leaders only need to connect with the people and address their needs sincerely,” he added.
The LP scribe assured that the party would field candidates for all elective positions in the state.
“We are fully prepared for the 2027 elections and by God’s grace we are going to give Lagosians the leadership they deserve,” he said.
Responding to questions from journalists, a former LP Deputy Chairman, Dr Oswald Olatunbosun, dismissed claims that the party’s success in 2023 was built around its former presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
“It is a false impression that Labour Party’s achievements in 2023 were solely because of Peter Obi.
“The party existed before him and remains strong after him.
“Nigerians supported the party because they were tired of the existing system and wanted change,” the official said.
He acknowledged Obi’s contributions, but insisted the party’s popularity was driven by widespread public dissatisfaction and the desire for alternative leadership.
“There are many capable leaders in Labour Party. With the right candidate, the party can even surpass its 2023 performance,” he said.
The Lagos West LP Deputy Women Leader, Mrs Jane Nwaoguala,also assured party members that the women’s wing of the party remained united and active across the state.
“Our women structure in Lagos West, Lagos East and Lagos Central remains intact and fully committed to the progress of the party,” she said.
Similarly, Chief Kenneth Nzekwe, a leader from Lagos East, expressed confidence that the internal crisis at the national level would soon be resolved.