Northern Chairmen of LP declare support for Obi, warns against attacking him
By Rauf Oyewole, Bauchi
The Northern chairmen of the Labour Party, LP, have declared support for the presidential candidate of the party in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, warning against undue attacks on him.
While addressing the press on Wednesday in Bauchi, the Zonal Vice Chairman of the Party, Engr. Muhammad Abdullahi Lawal, who spoke on behalf of the 19 state chairmen, said that the forum of Labour Party Chairmen and Secretaries from Northern extraction stand with Obi and frown at anyone who is bent on dragging Obi’s image to the mud.
“We reaffirm our unwavering support for H.E 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 (NLC), the obedient movement groups and all other stakeholders who are committed to sanitising 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 progress, we have collectively agreed today to the disbandment of these factions and move forward as one cohesive party,” he said.
He warned members of the party against using derogatory remarks against Peter Obi, saying such behaviour is unacceptable and would not be tolerated within the party.
“Lastly, we commend the efforts of our esteemed principals, H.E. Peter Obi and Ahmed Datti, the Governor of Abia State, as well as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), our respected senators, house of representatives members, state assembly members, forum of LP candidates, those that have won and those that lost, LP chapter chairman, Obedient Movement groups, and all-party members who have distanced themselves from the convention held on 27th March, 2024, in Anambra State.
“Your decision to follow due process in conducting proper National Convention following from ward level up to the National Convention and your dedication to upholding the values of our party in putting things right is truly commendable,” he said.
