Prominent members of the Labour Party (LP) convened in Lagos to tackle ongoing internal challenges, aiming to enhance the party’s electoral performance in the forthcoming general elections.
The gathering, organized by Seyi Sowunmi, a key figure in the LP Caretaker Committee and representative for Ojo Federal Constituency, attracted significant personalities, including Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the party’s 2023 governorship candidate in Lagos, and Yunusa Tanko, the interim National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement.
The event also saw participation from various support groups and factions within the party, marking a pivotal moment for the LP in Lagos, as stated by the organizer.
During the event, Sowunmi highlighted the critical need for unity among party members. “Our goal is to bring all factions and support groups together under one umbrella. This has been our objective for the past two years,” he stated, noting that the successful outcome of the meeting signifies a major step forward in fortifying the Labour Party’s framework in Lagos.
Sowunmi described the unity achieved as a new beginning for the party in a state often seen as a barometer for political trends. “Everyone understands that Lagos State holds significant importance. Good things begin in Lagos, and so do challenges,” he remarked, underlining the state’s vital role in the national political landscape.
The gathering included several influential support groups, such as the Obidient Movement, SC Fund, Big Tank, CSF, along with representatives from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC). Their involvement, according to Sowunmi, highlights the LP’s expanding influence across the nation.
“This unity strengthens our position in the race for electoral success,” Sowunmi added, expressing optimism about the party’s potential in the upcoming elections.
Addressing loyalty within the party, he tackled concerns regarding candidates possibly defecting to other political factions. He firmly expressed his dedication to the Labour Party, stating, “I have no intention of joining another party. I am Obedient Labour. My entry into politics was inspired by Obi, whose ideology aligns perfectly with mine.” However, he acknowledged that if Peter Obi, the party’s presidential candidate in 2023, made significant moves in the future, he would consider following suit due to their shared principles.
Reflecting on the journey that led to this event, Sowunmi noted that the gathering was the result of extensive groundwork, including outreach to support leaders and key stakeholders across the state. “Politics is fundamentally about people, listening to them, and uniting them,” he said, attributing the success of the event to a proactive approach.
With a renewed sense of determination, he declared, “Today marks the end of futile efforts for Labour Party members in Lagos State.”
Rhodes-Vivour also took the opportunity to express his optimism about the future of the party, asserting that despite past internal conflicts, the party can unite. “Every political party has its challenges. What matters most is our willingness to come together,” he stated, framing the event as a celebration of unity and collaboration aimed at improving the lives of Lagos residents.
Regarding his political aspirations, Rhodes-Vivour affirmed his commitment to the Labour Party, noting, “With each election, we grow stronger. We will not remain silent; we are active and fostering hope among the people,” hinting at a potential candidacy in the 2027 elections, with a renewed focus on building support and engaging with the public.
