LP to inaugurate state coordinators ahead of 2027 polls

The Labour Party (LP) has stated it will take proactive steps to avoid the pitfalls that hindered its success in the 2023 general elections as it prepares for the 2027 polls.

The party’s Directorate of Mobilisation and Integration announced it has commenced a strategic move to inaugurate state coordinators, mobilise Nigerians with proven integrity across the country to strengthen the party structure and engage groups and coalitions at the grassroots level.

This was disclosed in a statement on Tuesday, signed by the Director General of the LP Directorate of Mobilisation and Integration, Marcel Ngogbehei, and the Deputy Director, Strategic Engagements Mobilisation & Integration Directorate, Sheikh Rufai Al-Saddiq.

According to the statement, the party aims to address the lack of harmonious integration between the party and its support structure, which was evident in 2023.

The inauguration, slated for Friday, December 6, will take place at the respective LP state secretariat and is expected to mark a significant milestone for the party.
Ngogbehei indicated plans to restructure the directorate by appointing state directorates who will work closely with the state party chairmen.

He noted that after identifying the leaders of the state directorates, they would be integrated into the party structure at the national level, where they would interface with diverse groups at the grassroots and report directly to the directorate.

“We are marshalling out what we call a tactical plan for 2027; a three-to-six-month plan, and we’re going to make it a very easy and straightforward one. We will restructure the directorate and bring in more hands to address gaps in capabilities we’ve identified,” he said.
Ngogbehei added that the state directorate leaders would be integrated into the party structure at the state level, where they would have designated offices and work closely with the party.

The Labour Party stated that the state directorates would engage with various associations, such as tailoring, mechanic, and motoring groups, to recruit more members and integrate diverse interest groups into the party.

“The state directorate will act as an interface within their various states. Once established, we will conduct training to ensure they are equipped to serve as conveners and set up the Labour Party Conveners Council.

“These are three key strategic approaches that the Directorate of Labour will implement in the next three to six months. The state directorate will consist of a state coordinator, an assistant state coordinator, a state secretary, and representatives from each senatorial zone. This team will form the Labour Party State Directorate of Mobilization and Integration Management Team.

“They will work closely with the Labour Party chairmen in each state and report directly to the DG of Mobilization and Integration at the Labour Party national headquarters,” he added.
Ngogbehei stressed the need to address the issues from 2023, including the lack of integration between the party and its support structure, as well as the inability to identify individuals with integrity and transparency.

He stressed that by building a solid structure now, the party would be able to train members, monitor their development, and ensure they acquire critical skills to support the party across all states.

On the functions of the state directorate, Ngogbehei explained that they would implement the strategies set at the national level while working closely with the Labour Party chairmen in their respective states.

The directorate would also coordinate campaigns and events, ensuring grassroots engagement and effective integration of diverse groups.

Success would be measured by the number of members recruited into the party, coalitions built within each state, and diverse interest groups attracted.

“We want to build a web of trusted fellows with integrity—individuals loyal to the party, not those with ulterior motives or a ‘grab and run’ mentality,” Ngogbehei stated.