We Wish You Well If You Intend To Change Parties

As the Chairman of the Labour Party (LP) in Lagos State, I feel it is essential to address the recent claims made by Yunusa Tanko, the National Coordinator of Nigeria’s “Obidient” Movement, on the so-called independence of this movement from our party.

His statement reflects a grave misunderstanding of the symbiotic relationship between our party and the Obidient movement—a relationship fostered during a critical election season, where supporters aligned with the Labour Party to bring about the emergence of a new dawn in Nigeria.

Let us address the core issues head-on.

Many of the challenges the Labour Party faces today stem directly from the actions—or rather, inactions—of Tanko and other members of the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC).

The responsibility of ensuring accountability and transparency, especially in matters of funding and proper organization, lay firmly within the purview of Tanko and his colleagues.

Regrettably, instead of fostering unity and bolstering our base, there has been a conspicuous lack of both.

Tanko, let us be clear: no individual or group is larger than the Labour Party.

The principles upon which this party is built are paramount, and any attempt to assert otherwise is misguided.

While we recognize that the Obidient movement played a key role in mobilizing the youth, this cannot be leveraged to undermine the structures of the Labour Party.

On the contrary, those within the movement—led by Tanko and his principal, Peter Obi—should ask themselves: How have they impacted the resolution of the current crises?

How have they contributed to alleviating the palpable frustrations within the party rather than compounding them?

The public deserves the truth, not carefully spun narratives that deflect blame or misrepresent our party's standing.

Tanko has continuously painted an incomplete and, at times, misleading picture of internal matters, especially regarding the role and leadership of our National Chairman, Julius Abure.

They have omitted the fact that while so-called “LP members and not Obidients” bore the brunt of electoral violence—businesses destroyed, lives and limbs lost—the response has been, at best, silence.

Members of the party structure who stood firm and resolute against intimidation during the last election are still feeling the negative impact in their immediate environments till today, yet no overtures have been made to heal the wounds of our supporters, yet there seems to be energy to destabilize the Labour Party, through actions that starkly contradict the very ideals they claim to champion.

We urge them to reflect on this reality: what goes around comes around.

History has a way of vindicating the just and holding those with dubious motives to account.

As Tanko and others embark on this "noble" mission of building an alternate platform where they alone may be judge and jury, we genuinely wish them well.

Nonetheless, the Labour Party will continue its mission undeterred, upholding the tenets of equity, justice, and true representation for all Nigerians, as we have always pledged to do.

Pst Dr(Mrs) Dayo Ekong

Chairman Labour party Lagos State