Why Labour Party lost over 176 lawmakers—Ex-Organising Secretary
Labour Party Faces Challenges After 2023 Elections
By John Alechenu, Abuja
Chief Clement Ojukwu, the former National Organising Secretary of the Labour Party (LP), expressed disappointment over the ongoing litigations that he claims have significantly harmed the party’s standing since the 2023 general elections.
In a recent interview in Abuja, Ojukwu, who previously supported former National Chairman Julius Abure, announced his support for the leadership of Senator Nenadi Usman. He highlighted a concerning decline in the party’s representation, stating that while the LP secured 34 House of Representatives seats, eight Senate appointments, and 80 members in state Houses of Assembly following the elections, it now struggles to maintain even five members in the National Assembly.
Ojukwu urged dissident party members to resolve their differences and back the new leadership. He also called on Abure and the previous National Working Committee (NWC) to withdraw any pending legal actions to facilitate reconciliation within the party.
“Litigations are detrimental to political parties,” Ojukwu said. “Many parties have dissolved due to such conflicts, and the LP is declining daily. I have chosen to collaborate with the caretaker committee to revitalize the party.” He emphasized the need for unity among party members to rebuild the LP.
With upcoming elections approaching, Ojukwu noted that many party members have defected to other political parties. He encouraged colleagues from the opposing faction to join forces in restoring the LP’s former strength. “The caretaker committee has formed a reconciliation committee; we should engage in dialogue to revitalize the foremost opposition party in Nigeria,” he added.
Ojukwu dismissed speculation regarding internal factions within the party, asserting that a recent court ruling clarified leadership roles. He stated, “Since the court’s verdict is valid and the rightful leaders are in position, factions no longer exist.”
Addressing accusations of betrayal concerning his shift to Usman’s leadership, Ojukwu insisted, “I am aligned with this group because of the verdict. I have not betrayed anyone; rather, I have been the one betrayed.”
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