The leadership of the Labour Party (LP) in Ogun State has begun a strategic move aimed at reconciling members and strengthening the party ahead of the forthcoming council elections in the state.

It urged all stakeholders and interest groups in the party to unite, close ranks and form a common front.

The decision, according to a statement signed by the state’s Publicity Secretary of the party, Tokunbo Peters, was made during a crucial leadership meeting held in Abeokuta, at the weekend, which was convened by the South West leadership of the party.

The LP said that the All Progressives Congress (APC) government, at both the national and state levels, had failed woefully to deliver on its promises, leaving Ogun residents disillusioned and eager for change.

Meanwhile, the Labour Party has stated that those aspiring to vie for elective positions in the local council elections under its banner must fulfill some basic criteria to be eligible to contest for the party’s primaries.

This, according to it, includes writing a letter of Expression of Interest, obtaining and submitting a nomination form within the period specified by the party and the payment of the prescribed nomination fee of the party. Such aspirants must have attained the age of 30 years and must possess a minimum Senior Secondary School Certificate (SSCE).

Furthermore, aspirants must also have a valid voter’s card and must be resident in or be an indigene of the local council where he or she intends to contest. All prospective aspirants for chairmanship and councillorship positions must be screened at both their wards and local councils.

Finally, the meeting resolved that all hands must be on deck to successfully prosecute the local council elections to ensure that all the LP’s candidates emerge victorious.