By Sodiq Omolaoye, Abuja
Amidst the festering leadership crisis in the Labour Party, the Director General of the party’s Directorate of Mobilization and Integration, Marcel Ngogbehei, has cautioned those allegedly plotting to hijack the party through unconstitutional means, saying that their efforts are doomed to fail.
In a message addressed to party members across the country, including state executives, ward leaders, and local government coordinators, on Friday, Ngogbehei condemned what he described as an unlawful attempt by a few individuals to destabilize the party from within.
The Labour Party leadership crisis has escalated since the Supreme Court judgement delivered on April 4 nullifying an earlier verdict that recognised Julius Abure as the party’s national chairman.
Following the Supreme Court judgement, disputing parties have interpreted it to support preferred interests and persons asserting to be the legitimate chair of the party.
Currently, three factions are laying claims to the leadership of the party.
While the Abure-led faction insisted that there is no leadership vacuum in the party following the Supreme Court judgment, the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting attended by Governor Alex Oti of Abia State; Peter Obi, the party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election; Datti Baba-Ahmed, the Vice-Presidential candidate, approved the transition committee headed by Nenadi Usman to start rebuilding the party from scratch.
Also, Lamidi Apapa whose claim to the party’s leadership dates back to 2022 declared himself the party’s national chairman.
Ngogbehei, while acknowledging the sacrifices made by members who have continued to support the party without financial incentives, said members have become family-bound not just by politics, but by purpose
“Those who seek to destroy the Labour Party through illegal activities will not succeed. Their mission is temporary, but our vision is eternal,” he declared.
The chieftain urged the party faithful to stand firm, resist provocation, and stay committed to the values of truth, justice, and the rule of law.
He reaffirmed the Directorate’s commitment to upholding the party’s constitution and defending the aspirations of Nigerians who look to the Labour Party as a beacon of hope and change.
According to him, “In times like these, unity, discipline, and commitment to justice are our greatest weapons.”
He encouraged members to stay focused and united as the party walks through its internal issues
