By Bashir Aliyu
Mr. Adefolarin Oria, the Ondo Central Senatorial Candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections, has warned that the party is too divided to achieve electoral victory in 2027. Oria made the remark during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Akure, where he analyzed the party’s formation, past electoral performances, and its chances in future contests.
Oria argued that the Labour Party’s current structure and leadership style alienate indigenous people from various regions, making it difficult for the party to gain widespread acceptance. “The way the party presents itself, as if it belongs to a specific group, makes it difficult for indigenous people from other regions to accept it,” he said.
The politician also highlighted the leadership crisis within the party, particularly in Ondo State, where internal disputes prevented the LP from presenting a candidate for the 2024 gubernatorial election. The party was embroiled in a legal battle over two factional candidates, Mr. Sola Ebiseni and Mr. Ayo Olorunfemi, which further exposed its internal divisions.
“Politics is about inclusiveness. Unfortunately, the leadership of our party is selfish,” Oria stated. “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.”
Oria criticized the party’s leadership for operating in isolation and disregarding the opinions of its members. “The problem in Ondo State is that the leadership operates in isolation, disregarding party members. But there is no leadership without the people,” he emphasized.
He also took issue with the appointment of a state chairman who could not speak the indigenous language, arguing that such decisions create a disconnect with the local population. “Appointing a chairman who cannot communicate effectively with the people he is supposed to lead is counterproductive. It alienates the very people the party seeks to represent,” Oria said.
The LP chieftain warned that unless the party undergoes significant restructuring and adopts a more inclusive approach, it will struggle to win elections in 2027. “The Labour Party must quickly restructure and embrace inclusivity if it hopes to remain relevant in Nigeria’s political landscape,” he concluded.
Oria’s comments come at a critical time for the Labour Party, which has faced internal strife and declining public confidence since its impressive performance in the 2023 general elections. Analysts suggest that the party’s ability to address these challenges will determine its viability as a major political force in the coming years.
