The National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), Julius Abure, has paid glowing tribute to the late leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, acknowledging his instrumental role in the party’s historic success in Lagos State during the 2023 presidential election.
Abure’s tribute was contained in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja by the LP National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, following a condolence visit to the residence of the late elder statesman over the weekend.
Recalling the pivotal role Adebanjo played, Abure said the revered Afenifere leader’s interventions were crucial in resolving internal crises within the party and solidifying its presence in Lagos, now one of LP’s strongest bases.
“Our strong performance in the last general elections can be credited to his several interventions. He navigated several crises, particularly in Lagos, and today, that state remains one of the strongest bases of the party,” Abure said.
In the February 27, 2023 presidential election, Labour Party’s candidate, Peter Obi, achieved a surprising victory over the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate and now President, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, in Lagos State. Obi secured nine local government areas (LGAs), including Ajeromi-Ifelodun, Amuwo-Odofin, Eti-Osa, Ikeja, Kosofe, Oshodi-Isolo, Somolu, Ojo, and Alimosho, with a total of 575,735 votes.
In contrast, Tinubu won in ten LGAs — Agege, Apapa, Badagry, Epe, Ibeju-Lekki, Ifako-Ijaiye, Ikorodu, Lagos Island, Lagos Mainland, and Surulere — but garnered 573,001 votes, falling short of Obi’s tally. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Atiku Abubakar, recorded 75,750 votes, while the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, secured 8,844 votes.
Reflecting on the impact of Pa Adebanjo’s influence, Abure credited his leadership and commitment to democracy as vital to the party’s success.
“I am happy that the struggle to enthrone democracy in Nigeria was achieved in his lifetime. Many of his contemporaries were not that lucky. Pa Adebanjo exemplified the culture of resistance and the defense of democracy and the rule of law, which I learned from him,” he said.
Abure further stated that the youth movement championed by the Labour Party, which brought hope and renewed enthusiasm among young Nigerians, was largely inspired by Pa Adebanjo’s principles and dedication to justice.
Concluding his tribute, Abure vowed that the Labour Party would continue to support the family of the late leader, affirming that Pa Adebanjo died as a proud supporter of the party and its vision for a better Nigeria.
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