In the past 19 months, the Labour Party led by Julius Abure has faced overwhelming challenges that have hindered their ability to harness the widespread support from the Nigerian people and the Obidient Movement, which was ignited by the charismatic leadership of Presidential Candidate Mr. Peter Obi.
Despite initially enjoying immense popularity and goodwill, Abure and his Executives have failed to build a united and credible election-winning machine, dashing hopes for a new era in Nigeria as envisioned by the Obidients.
One of Abure’s major shortcomings has been his detachment from the party’s key stakeholders—the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC). It is inconceivable to have a Labour Party without the support and collaboration of these influential bodies, along with the National Union of Teachers (NUT) across Nigeria. Unfortunately, Abure and his team prioritized personal gain over the party’s success and neglected to establish a strong presence in polling stations nationwide.
A stark example highlighting Abure’s questionable actions is the Imo Labour Party Primaries, which were marred by accusations of underhanded deals and monetary transactions involving Abure, his team, and adversaries of the party. Once again, it appeared that personal interests triumphed over ensuring the nomination of the party’s most competent and viable candidate.
As the Labour Party grapples with internal strife and a lack of cohesion, the hopes of a revolution, symbolized by Peter Obi, have been postponed indefinitely. Mr. Obi’s enormous popularity has undoubtedly propelled the party to great heights, but the actions of Abure and his team have hindered the party’s ability to leverage this momentum and secure victory for the Nigerian people.
It remains to be seen whether the Labour Party can overcome these setbacks and regain the trust of its supporters. As Nigeria moves closer to the 2023 General Elections, it is crucial for the party to regroup, unite, and refocus its efforts on achieving the New Dawn that both Nigerians and the Obidients have tirelessly fought for.
