Yinusa Tanko, the chief spokesperson for the Obi-Datti campaign organisation, has shed light on the current turmoil engulfing the Labour Party, asserting that the crisis could have been averted had the leadership heeded the counsel of Peter Obi, the party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections.
Tanko, speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief program, lamented the lack of inclusivity in the recently concluded national convention of the party, which saw the reinstatement of Julius Abure as the national chairman.
“His Excellency, Peter Obi, has consistently endeavored to intervene whenever issues of this nature arise, striving to foster improvement,” Tanko articulated.
He elucidated Obi’s recommendations to the national chairman, emphasizing the necessity for broader consultations and engagement with various stakeholders such as the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), as well as the younger generation represented by the Obidient group.
These recommendations, Tanko emphasized, were not merely verbalized but were actively pursued by Obi through engagements with members of the National Assembly and party leadership.
However, Tanko ruefully noted the divergence between Obi’s suggestions and the subsequent actions of the party leadership, epitomizing the often unpredictable nature of politics.
“You can only take a horse to the river, but you cannot force it to drink water,” he remarked, encapsulating Obi’s earnest efforts to resolve the party’s internal strife.
Tanko underscored the importance of adherence to agreed-upon processes, highlighting Abure’s deviation from the initial consensus regarding an all-inclusive national convention.
He emphasized the significance of starting the inclusivity process from the grassroots level, a principle that was seemingly disregarded in the convention held in Nnewi, Anambra State.
Regarding the potential repercussions of the party’s internal discord on Obi’s political trajectory, Tanko exuded confidence, asserting that Obi’s brand is resilient and enduring.
He affirmed the unwavering support of Obi’s followers, predicting their continued allegiance regardless of the prevailing circumstances.
The re-election of Abure as National Chairman during the March 27 convention in Nnewi, despite dissent from the NLC and allegations of procedural irregularities, underscores the deep-seated divisions within the party.
The absence of INEC monitoring and the contention over Abure’s tenure further exacerbate the legitimacy crisis facing the Labour Party.
Prior to the contentious convention, the NLC had vociferously called for Abure’s resignation, advocating for the establishment of a caretaker transition committee to oversee a transparent and all-inclusive national convention.
In essence, Tanko’s revelations provide a sobering insight into the intricate dynamics of party politics and the challenges inherent in navigating competing interests within a political organization.
As the Labour Party grapples with internal discord, the enduring influence of figures like Peter Obi serves as a testament to the enduring power of political brands amidst tumultuous times.
