Following her appointment as national caretaker chairman of the Labour Party by stakeholders in Umuahia on 4th September, Senator Nenadi Esther Usman has pledged to overcome current challenges and reset it as a viable alternative platform for Nigerians
She made the commitment at the inaugural meeting of the National Caretaker Committee in Abuja on Tuesday, September 24, 2024.
In her address, Senator Usman called on committee members to carry out their assignments with integrity, emphasizing the need for sacrifice and a focus on the party’s and the nation’s interests.
“We are on a rescue mission, not just for the Labour Party but for our dear nation, Nigeria,” she said, highlighting the widespread support her committee has received from across party lines.
“Our party, by the grace of Almighty God, will become a platform for all Nigerians who feel disenfranchised and unhappy with the current state of affairs. This is a significant national assignment,” she added.
Speaking at the meeting, Datti Baba-Ahmed, the running mate of the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, expressed concern about the current economic crisis in the country.
He noted that the Labour Party had warned Nigerians of the potential consequences of allowing the All Progressives Congress (APC) to govern.
Baba-Ahmed, representing Peter Obi at the event, reiterated the party’s readiness to build on the momentum of the 2023 elections and aim for success in 2027.
“We are a force to contend with in Africa,” he said, referring to the party’s past efforts to claim its 10 million votes in court. He further criticized the APC, citing the worsening economy, insecurity, and poorly managed subsidy removal. “We warned Nigerians of the dangers of the APC, and unfortunately, it is happening.”
Baba-Ahmed also addressed the leadership tussle within the party, clarifying that former National Chairman Julius Abure was not removed by any governor but by the expiration of his tenure.
He extended an olive branch, urging Abure and his team to join hands with the Caretaker Committee to rebuild the Labour Party.
“Abure is our good friend and a loyal member. We have roles for him and all former NEC and NWC members; they are welcome to come and join us,” he stated.
The Deputy Governor of Abia State, Ikechukwu Emetu, representing Governor Alex Otti, charged committee members to work diligently for the party’s growth and avoid any actions detrimental to its interests.
Senator Darlington Nwokocha, the Committee Secretary, emphasized that the committee is committed to organizing elections for ward, LGA, state, and national officers within its time frame.
“We have hit the ground running, setting up essential subcommittees to drive our mandate. We will ensure proper sensitization, advocacy, and consensus building, starting from the grassroots up to the national convention,” he explained.
With the committee inaugurated and essential subcommittees established, Senator Usman and her team are set to lead the Labour Party toward a path of reconciliation and revitalization in preparation for the challenges ahead.