The Nasarawa State chapter of the Labour Party (LP) has declared its unwavering support for the embattled National Chairman, Julius Abure, amidst a faceoff with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
Mr Alexander Ombugu, the state Chairman of the party, stated this in an interview with newsmen in Lafia, the state capital.
In his statement, Ombugu affirmed that the leaders and members of the party in Nasarawa State remain loyal and committed to Abure’s leadership.
Ombugu explained that Abure has been facing challenges due to his transparent leadership style, which some persons are uncomfortable with and are attempting to oust him from his position.
“It is disheartening that the NLC is not aligning with the National Chairman despite his efforts to bring the party to prominence and the numerous achievements he has recorded since his election.
“On this issue happening at the national level of our dear party, what I will say is that all of us in the Nasarawa State Labour Party are solidly behind our National Chairman, Julius Abure.
“Some people are only fighting him because the man is too good. They are fighting him because he is a transparent leader. We love him and we will continue to stand by him.
“However, I am surprised that the NLC are having some issues with him. It should not be so because Abure has achieved a lot for the Labour Party.
“They should rather see how to support him to take the party to greater heights, instead of the disagreements which are capable of taking the party backwards,” Ombugu stated.
Ombugu also declared the party’s support for the recent Supreme Court judgment granting autonomy to the 774 Local Government Areas in the country, explaining that this autonomy would enhance democracy at the grassroots level and empower local authorities to make decisions positively impacting rural dwellers.
He, therefore, urged the federal government to ensure that Local Government elections are conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to enhance the credibility of the process.
Ombugu expressed a lack of confidence in the States Independent Electoral Commission to conduct fair LG elections, citing frequent manipulations in favor of the highest bidders.
“If INEC will start conducting Local Government elections, it is definitely going to be better than what we are having now.
At the moment, even people who did not campaign for electoral positions are announced as winners of elections they did not participate in. So, we are appealing that INEC should take over our chairmanship and councilorship elections. This will enable the electorates to choose their leaders by themselves,” Ombugu added.
Announcing that the LP’s doors are open to new and defecting members from other political parties in the state, Ombugu called on all existing members from the 13 LGAs to remain committed to the struggle to take over power at the state and federal levels in 2027.
Nasarawa Labour Party declares support for Abure amid faceoff with NLC