NRG slams Labour Party leadership, urges urgent reform ahead 2027 polls

Ahead of the 2027 general election, the Nigeria Renaissance Group (NRG) has called on the leadership of the Labour Party (LP) to address internal issues and ensure proper organisation to secure a strong showing at the polls.

In a statement signed by the group’s Convener, Comrade Isa Yakubu, and Secretary, Mr. Tunde Isaac, the NRG expressed concerns over the growing indiscipline within the party, despite its considerable potential.

The group attributed this internal strife as a major factor in the LP’s poor performance in the 2023 general elections, as divisions within the party negatively impacted its prospects.

“Unfortunately, there were no sanctions to nip the scenario in the bud, which created a negative image in the eyes of the voting public before the elections,” the statement read.

“Indeed, many started querying whether the once-promising party would be able to meet the yearnings of Nigerians with the rancour within the system, should the party win the elections.”

The NRG also recalled that some officials, including the former national publicity secretary, Mr. Abayomi Arabambi, had endorsed candidates from other political parties during the 2023 elections.

“The same Arabambi even went to court to testify against elected members of the party, including the House of Representatives member representing Amuwo Odofin, Olawande George, Adegoye, and even our candidate in Oshodi Isolo, Oke Joe,” the group pointed out.

“If these are not anti-party activities, we do not know what to call the several attempts to kill the party.”

The NRG further noted that Arabambi, alongside the Lamidu Apampa faction, escalated the matter to the election petition tribunal, causing the party significant distress.

“The world, including Peter Obi’s former spokesman, Kenneth Okonkwo, watched in amazement as these people did their best to bring down the party.

“Unfortunately, Arabambi in particular was seen with our party chairman, Julius Abure, at different occasions while the crisis was ongoing,” the group added.

“Going by the outcome of our last convention, he had ceased to be our publicity secretary as a replacement had since taken his place.”

Looking ahead, the NRG urged the party leadership to begin a fresh process of rebuilding the party, especially by engaging LP groups with significant numbers across the country, particularly in Lagos State.

“Machinery should be put in motion to invite select leaders of the groups to a meeting to chart a way forward for the LP,” the statement recommended.

The group also called for the establishment of a strong disciplinary mechanism within the party, to ensure sanctions are imposed on erring members and restore public confidence.

“The party must, as a matter of urgency, build a strong disciplinary machinery that would ensure sanctions on erring members to build public confidence,” the NRG concluded.