The Labour Party (LP) is too divided and lacks the structure to mount a serious challenge against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections, according to Adefolarin Oria, the party’s 2023 senatorial candidate for Ondo Central.
Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Akure, Oria pointed to internal leadership struggles and a lack of inclusivity as major setbacks for the party. He argued that the party’s image as being dominated by a particular group makes it difficult for others to fully embrace it.
“The leadership of our party is selfish. They need to bridge divides and engage all ethnic groups rather than being perceived as a party for a particular tribe,” he said.
Oria referenced the party’s struggles in the lead-up to the 2024 Ondo gubernatorial election, where LP failed to field a single candidate due to internal disputes, forcing a legal battle between Sola Ebiseni and Ayo Olorunfemi.
He also criticized the appointment of a state chairman who could not speak the local language, saying such decisions alienate grassroots supporters.
“Politics is about inclusiveness, but our party leadership operates in isolation. There is no leadership without the people,” he added.
Oria warned that unless the Labour Party urgently restructures and adopts a more inclusive strategy, it will face another electoral defeat in 2027.
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