LP chieftains slam Tanko for rating Obidient Movement above party
National Vice Chairman (North Central) of the Labour Party (LP), Ibrahim Idoko, and the Chairman of LP in Lagos State, Dayo Ekong, have publicly criticised the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Yunusa Tanko, for suggesting that the movement could align with another political party due to the ongoing crisis within the party.
In different statements, they also berated Tanko for claiming that the movement is bigger than the party and that the movement brought the party to the limelight.
In an interview with Arise News, Tanko, while asserting that the movement was larger than the party, also noted its independence and the possibility of moving to another political platform to uphold its values of good governance and accountability in the 2027 elections, should it become necessary.
Ekong, in a statement, yesterday, criticised Tanko and the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, for not doing enough to resolve the crisis, and rather allowed frustrations to grow within the party.
She emphasised that “no individual or group is above the party,” stressing that Tanko’s comments revealed a “grave misunderstanding” of the relationship between the party and the Obidient Movement.
Pointing out that the party’s challenges stemmed from the actions or inactions of Tanko and other members of the Presidential Campaign Council, Ekong acknowledged the Obidient Movement’s role in mobilising the electorate during the 2023 elections but asserted that the contribution could not be used to undermine the party’s structures.
The Lagos LP boss expressed concerns that Tanko presented an incomplete and misleading picture of internal party matters, omitting the impact of electoral violence on party members.
According to her, the party will continue its mission undeterred, upholding equity, justice and representation for all Nigerians. She stated: “Regrettably, instead of fostering unity and bolstering our base, there has been a conspicuous lack of both. Tanko, let us be clear: no individual or group is larger than LP. Those within the movement led by Tanko and his principal, Obi, should ask themselves: How have they impacted the resolution of the crises? How have they contributed to alleviating the palpable frustrations within the party rather than compounding them?”
“The public deserves the truth, not carefully spun narratives that deflect blame or misrepresent our party’s standing. Tanko has continuously painted an incomplete and, at times, misleading picture of internal matters, especially regarding the role and leadership of our National Chairman, Julius Abure. They have omitted the fact that the so-called ‘LP members and not Obidients’ bore the brunt of electoral violence.”IDOKO, in a statement yesterday, dismissed Tanko’s comments, describing him as a political opportunist trying to please his paymasters.
He said the LP had been winning elections and making significant progress without the Obidient Movement for many years, adding that Tanko’s assertion should be disregarded by all party members and supporters across the country.
“For the record, Governor Alex Otti of Abia State is not the first governor elected under LP; former governor of Ondo State, Olusegun Mimiko, was a two-term governor under LP. The party has also had National Assembly and House of Assembly members in various states. Well-recognised politicians such as Sen Ovie Omo-Agege of Delta State, Sen Joshua Dariye of Plateau State and Samuel Godday of Benue State, among others, were elected under LP.
“If Tanko and his allies wish to pursue an alternative path to the LP in 2027, so be it. We bear no grudges, but we are confident that under the leadership of Abure and the National Working Committee (NWC), LP will only grow stronger, and in 2027, it will emerge victorious in the elections.” Idoko further reiterated the North Central LP chairmen’s commitment to maximum support for Abure to help him elevate the party to greater heights.
Related
Politics
Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox every day of the week. Stay informed with the Guardian’s leading coverage of Nigerian and world news, business, technology and sports.
0 Comments
We will review and take appropriate action.