Labour Party Chairman, Julius Abure, has disclosed that the party’s presidential ticket is no longer reserved for Peter Obi, but is now open to all members.
In a video sighted by Tribune Online, Abure was flanked by other party officials while clarifying that neither Obi nor Alex Otti had been removed from the party. According to him, the Labour Party adheres to democratic principles by making the ticket accessible to all eligible members, which is in line with Sections 221 and 222 of the 1999 Constitution.
Abure emphasised that the move is intended to broaden participation within the party.
He said, “We have not removed Alex Otti and Peter Obi; we have simply opened the doors to others, which is in line with democratic practices,” he said. “Sections 221 and 222 of the Constitution make it clear that political parties should be inclusive.”
He further explained, “The Labour Party’s constitution is also clear about who can and cannot run for an elective office within the party. What we have done is open the window to accommodate more people.
”You would agree with me that democracy is about numbers — the more, the merrier. The more people we have, the better for the party and even the candidates themselves.
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”If we emerge from a competitive process, it gives us more confidence and shows that we are the best.”
Abure criticised the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for stifling competition within their ranks, stating that the Labour Party would differentiate itself by embracing a more open and competitive process.
He added, ”The Labour Party has always maintained that APC and PDP have failed because they suppress competition and align their camps toward one division.
”Since our party is different, we should not be seen behaving the same way. That’s why we have opened the party to all.”
The Labour Party Presidential ticket is no more reserved for Peter Obi , it is now open to all party members – Julius Abure pic.twitter.com/HhVgkEmezV
— TVC News (@tvcnewsng) September 9, 2024
