Labour Party too divided to win APC in 2027, says ex-presidential candidate

Adefolarin Oria, the Labour Party’s (LP) candidate for the Ondo Central Senatorial District in the 2023 general elections, has expressed doubts about the party’s ability to secure electoral victories in 2027 due to internal divisions.  

Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Akure, Oria analyzed the party’s structure, past election performances, and its future prospects.

He noted that the Labour Party’s approach often makes it seem like a party for a specific group, limiting its acceptance among indigenous people from other regions.

Oria further pointed to leadership struggles within the party, referencing the events leading up to the 2024 gubernatorial election in Ondo State as an example of the challenges hindering the party’s unity and effectiveness.

He noted that due to internal leadership tussles, the party failed to present a candidate, leading to a legal battle.

NAN reports that the LP was embroiled in a dispute over two different governorship candidates, Mr Sola Ebiseni and Mr Ayo Olorunfemi, with the matter ultimately being decided in court.

“Politics is about inclusiveness. Unfortunately, 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.

“We must make our political party friendly and accommodating to all regions of the country.

“The problem in Ondo State is that the leadership operates in isolation, disregarding party members. But there is no leadership without the people,” he said.

Oria also criticised the party for appointing a state chairman who could not speak the indigenous language, arguing that such a decision “creates a disconnect with the local population.”

He said that unless the party quickly restructured and adopted an inclusive approach to politics, it would struggle to win any elections in 2027.