The Labour Party (LP) in Edo State is facing significant turmoil as the governorship election approaches. There are widespread allegations that the party leadership is closely aligned with the APC, causing mistrust among members.
A chieftain of the party from Oredo Local Government, who pleaded anonymity, revealed that the crisis within the party is unlikely to subside soon because of suspicions of collaboration with the APC.
He said that the party knew very well that it shouldn’t have presented a candidate from Edo South but because of the need to use the opportunity as a negotiating tool, they schemed out a popular Edo Central aspirant in the Labour Party.
Additionally, some members of the party confirmed to our correspondant that the party candidate, Olumide Alpata, is exacerbating internal conflicts with his divisive tactics, rather than mitigating them.
In response to the internal strife, LP’s youth leader, Ken Omusi, has taken action by removing the existing executive committee and appointing himself as Acting Chairman. This move comes amidst accusations of authoritarian leadership and arbitrary suspensions within the party.
Omusi, a longtime party member, has called on the national leadership to intervene and address the situation. He alleges that over 350 members have been suspended in the past three months without proper disciplinary procedures, exacerbating tensions within the party.
In an effort to restore order, Omusi has dissolved the former executive committee and called for a fresh start under new leadership.
“What is happening in the party in Edo State currently has never happened in the party anywhere else in the country even at the national level.
“The leadership of the party in the state have turned themselves into something else, instead of building the party ahead of the September 21, governorship election, they are now suspending members of the party on WhatsApp platform.
“That is how bad it is. I saw a short message on WhatsApp platform where members of the party are suspended. From February 23, 2024 till date not less than 350 labour party members have been suspended across the state in an election season like this. Where other political parties are trying to mend fences and resolve differences.
“None of these persons that were suspended were ever disciplined according to the party’s constitution. When a person is accused of misconduct, the first thing is that you must on your own try your best to follow the disciplinary action(s). None of these people were called for a trial, but just outright suspension from WhatsApp platform.
“As we speak today, the state executive of the party led by Comrade Kelly Ogbaloi as the former state chairman and comrade Akhere as the secretary are hereby dissolved. All the 18 local government working committees and all the ward working committees are also hereby dissolved.”
