Claiming to be a major victim of the 2023 general election, the Labour Party (LP) has said it was poised to lead a holistic electoral reform in the buildup to the 2027 elections.
The national chairman of the party, Mr Julius Abure, who unveiled the plan said the party has set up a high-powered ad hoc committee to prepare the blueprints on the reforms critical to achieving a paradigm shift in the next political dispensation.
Abure who spoke at the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the party held virtually on Saturday, said the committee has eight weeks to work on the mandate.
Recall that the LP presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi came third by popular votes in the last elections in the country.
The party also won a number of seats in the Senate and the House of Representatives, as well as produced the governor of Abia State.
Emphasising the necessity for sweeping electoral reforms in order to insulate the political process from the antics of certain external forces in the nation’s political space.
Abure said: “We note that the Labour Party is a major victim in the 2023 general election and will therefore pursue electoral reform in Nigeria.
“For us to have credible, proactive leaders that will work in the interest of the people, the processes leading to the selection of candidates must be credible, fair and transparent.
“To this extent, Labour Party is poised to pursue holistic electoral reforms in Nigeria. The Committee must take cognizance of all our laws and institutions and therefore make recommendations to the party.
“The recommendations will form the basis of our future engagement with the electorate and all institutions in Nigeria, having roles to play in election matters.
“This committee will be chaired by Honourable Benedict Etanabene while Honourable Okey Joe will be the co-chair. Dudu Manuga will act as secretary. The committee has eight weeks to submit its report.”
The LP chairman also underscored the need for the people to be the catalysts for growth and development; hence, the party decided to set up a political education committee.
He recalled: “Before and during the 2023 general election, we had this understanding that leadership alone was the major challenge of this country.
“Events have reshaped this understanding to mean that followership is as guilty as the leadership. This indeed has reinforced the philosophy that defines leadership as a reflection of the people.
“Consequently, we need to mind the mind of our followers and members. There is therefore the need to reorient the people and for the people to begin to change their attitude and behaviors. There is also the need for the people to be the catalyst for growth and development.
“To this extent, Labour Party will constantly invest in political education. This underscores the importance of having a virile, strong and articulate political education committee that will assist the party in mobilizing and conscientising the people and prepare them for citizens’ engagement in the country.
“We have therefore appointed Rt Hon Ativie Elizabeth, former Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly, as the Chairman and Mr. Bulus Maisamari as the Secretary of the Education Committee respectively. Other members of this committee will be announced in due course.
“We are, therefore, determined to reposition our Labour Party and to make it the biggest political brand in readiness for future political engagements. Nigeria has remained in the doldrums for too long and we are poised to rescue the nation.”
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