The Labour Party (LP) in Lagos has said that it would conduct a credible primary election to produce a candidate capable of winning the Surulere Federal Constituency I bye-election slated for August 19.
The party’s state chairman, Pastor Dayo Ekong, therefore, cautioned aspirants against patronising illegal factions in the purchase of expression of interest and nomination forms.
According to Ekong, there is now a clear departure from the old order in party administration and processes to give everyone a deserved voice.
She said: “I want to sound a note of warning because we know some people are parading themselves as Labour Party executives. There is only one Lagos State LP State Working Committee.
“If any aspirant falls prey and purchases form from these illegal groups, he or she does it at his or her own peril. Be warned, don’t fall victim to their antics.”
Ekong said that some people were clamouring for the adoption of a consensus candidate, but in the spirit of fairness, the party wants every interested aspirant to test his/her popularity in the primary.
According to her, the state working committee would soon unveil the party’s expression of interest and nomination forms for interested aspirants obtainable at the party’s secretariat.
The chairman stated that the leadership was aware of infiltration from opposition parties to destabilise the party, adding that some expelled and suspended party leaders had created factions.
“We are not going to give them that opportunity to destroy the Labour Party. Enough is enough; it is not going to be business as usual. We stand by good leadership and integrity. We are people’s voices.
“If there are issues to be resolved, we will resolve them but there is hierarchy to ensure orderliness. Members should realise the party is supreme and we should not work against the party.
“Everything we are doing should align with what the party represents. Our interest should be what the party represents,” Ekong said.
