Adefolarin Oria, the Labour Party (LP) candidate for Ondo Central Senatorial District in the 2023 general election, has expressed concerns over the party’s internal divisions, warning that it is too fragmented to achieve electoral success in 2027.
Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Akure on Thursday, Oria analyzed the party’s formation, past elections, and future prospects, highlighting deep-seated leadership and inclusivity issues.
Oria pointed to the party’s inability to present a unified candidate for the 2024 Ondo State gubernatorial election due to leadership tussles. The dispute between two governorship aspirants, Sola Ebiseni and Ayo Olorunfemi, led to legal battles that weakened the party’s position in the state.
“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,” Oria stated.
He further criticized the party for appointing a state chairman who could not speak the indigenous language, arguing that such decisions alienate local supporters and create a disconnect with the electorate.
Oria urged the Labour Party leadership to adopt a more inclusive approach, engaging all ethnic groups and ensuring broader regional representation to strengthen its chances in future elections.
“Politics is about inclusiveness. Unfortunately, the leadership of our party is selfish. We must make our political party friendly and accommodating to all regions of the country,” he said.
He warned that unless urgent reforms are implemented, LP risks another disappointing performance in the 2027 elections.
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