Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The former Deputy Governorship candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election in Enugu State, Dr John Nwokeabia, has advised party members across the state to be strong and look forward to the future.
He, however, did not spay his party for the crisis at the national level which he said had eroded the confidence of party faithful across the country.
Nwokeabia stated thus in a message he personally signed in his reaction to the recently concluded Local Councils election held in the state.
He described the exercise as a charade which was characterised by manipulations by the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Part of his message reads: “The recent Local Government election in Enugu State was marred by allegations of rigging and electoral fraud perpetrated by the ruling PDP.
“Additionally the lingering leadership crises at the National level has in no small way eroded the zeal and commitment of our members to party affairs.
“I have had cause in my recent letter to the party faithful to condemn the PDP’s actions, calling it a “show of shame” emphasising that the PDP’s rigging only highlights their lack of popularity and cowardice in the state they have governed for over 25years!
“However, and despite the PDP’s attempts to undermine our democratic process in Enugu State, we have demonstrated organic popularity among the people and this is a testament to the party’s strength in the state.”
He advised LP members in the state not to be discouraged by the setbacks but Instead, “it should fuel our determination to fight for a better future.”
He said: “In that regards, I extend my deepest thanks to our in-house senior legal luminaries who have graciously taken upon themselves the challenge to fight this injustice and abuse of democratic principles through challenging the outcomes of that sham election in the State Election Petition Tribunal.
“I want to remind us that the strength of the party lies with the people and our distinguished stakeholders.
“I want you to remember that all politics is local and therefore not to be distracted by what is happening in the National front.
“I want us to know that the people with the Party structure determine to a great extent the direction of the party, and in that respect wishes to encourage our Leaders and Party Chairmen of our Local Governments to intensify efforts in establishing the Ward stakeholders forum that will drive amongst others. “
He said that for the party to move forward certain measures should be taking including inclusive decision-making that encourages diverse perspectives and ideas; improved communication that fosters open dialogue.
He also called conflict resolution which provides a platform for resolving internal disputes.
Others he said include: “Membership engagement that increases member participation and ownership; and talent identification that identifies potential leaders.”
According to him: “As a party, we must continue to champion the values of democracy, transparency, and accountability whilst focusing on Grassroots Mobilization, Policy Development, and Election Reforms.
“As a group we must ensure that we are relevant in the scheme of affairs of Labour Party in Enugu State. One of the ways to achieve this is to ensure that our members are dominated by personalities reverenced in our various wards for their honesty and servitude in their local community.”
