LP crisis threatens 2027 preparations — Chieftain

The Secretary of the Labour Party (LP) in Lagos State, loyal to  the Julius Abure-led faction, Mr Sam Okpala, says the party’s internal leadership crisis has slowed preparations for the 2027 general elections.

Okpala said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, while speaking on efforts to  reposition  the party ahead of the elections.

He said members of the faction were awaiting the Supreme Court’s final decision on the matter before taking further political steps.

According to him, although the High Court and the Court of Appeal recognised Sen. Nenadi Usman as the party’s national chairman, the Abure-led faction has challenged the judgments at the Supreme Court.

“As things stand today, we are still in court. We have approached the Supreme Court to make the final pronouncement on the leadership dispute.

“For us in the Abure faction, we are waiting for the outcome of the case before talking about preparations for the 2027 general elections,” he said.

Okpala said the faction remained united and hopeful that the apex court would deliver justice.

“Our structure is still intact, and we meet regularly. My message to our members is to remain steadfast because it is not over until it is over.

“We believe the judiciary remains the last hope of the common man, and we are optimistic that justice will prevail,” he said.

Asked whether he would consider joining another political party if the dispute was not resolved before the next general election, Okpala said it was too early to make such a decision.

“I wouldn’t want to preempt anything. We are taking one step at a time. For now, I remain the Secretary of the Labour Party in Lagos State under the leadership of Mr Julius Abure.

“Once the Supreme Court gives its final judgment, we will know the way forward,” he said.

The LP secretary described the lingering leadership dispute as unfortunate but expressed confidence that the party would overcome its challenges.

“It is a sad situation, but we must face the challenge and move forward. I still believe in Nigeria’s greatness, and I believe things will improve.

“Even if circumstances affect the party’s participation in 2027, Nigeria will continue to hold elections. The country does not end in 2027,” he said.

Okpala urged members of the Abure faction to remain calm and committed as they await the final verdict on the party’s leadership crisis.

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