From Okwe Obi, Abuja
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Labour Party (LP) has restructured its mobilisation directorate.
It also commended the Director General of the Directorate of Mobilisation and Integration, Dr. Marcel Ngogbehei, and his Secretary, Sheikh Rufai Al-Sadique, for the successes recorded in less than six months.
The National Publicity Secretary of the LP, Obiora Ifoh, in a statement issued after the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, urged the duo to intensify efforts in opening the party to all cadres of Nigerians.
“NEC also approved the restructuring of the Directorate of Mobilisation and Integration. The party applauded the instant success achieved by this directorate less than six months after its inauguration.
“NEC urged the directorate, under the leadership of Dr. Marcel Ngogbehei and the secretaryship of Sheikh Rufai Al-Sadique, to intensify efforts in opening up the party to all cadres of the Nigerian populace to ensure massive membership,” the statement noted.
The statement further revealed that the NEC approved the creation of a Directorate of International and Diaspora Affairs.
According to the statement, the new directorate will be headed by Prof. Eddie Oparaoji, while Aju Elumelu has been appointed as the Secretary of the directorate.
“Besides the task of managing the millions of party members in the diaspora, they must come up with modalities on how diasporans will participate actively in various party congresses, including the Ward Congress.
“NEC also directed that various committees, which include the Electoral Reform Committee, Political Education Committee, and State Elders Council, be inaugurated with immediate effect,” the statement added.
Speaking on the need for the creation of the Electoral Reform Committee, the National Chairman of the Labour Party, Julius Abure, said: “We note that the Labour Party was a major victim in the 2023 general election and will therefore pursue electoral reform in Nigeria.
“And for us to have credible, proactive leaders that will work in the interest of the people, the processes leading to the selection of these candidates must be credible, fair, and transparent.
“To this extent, the Labour Party is poised to pursue holistic electoral reforms in Nigeria. The committee must take cognisance of all our laws and institutions and therefore make recommendations to the party.
“The recommendations will form the basis of our future engagement with the electorate and all institutions in Nigeria having roles to play in election matters. This committee will be chaired by Hon. Benedict Etanabene, while Hon. Okey Joe will be the co-chair. Dudu Manuga will act as Secretary. The committee has eight weeks to submit its report.”
On the Political Education Committee, Abure said: “Before and during the 2023 general election, we had the understanding that leadership alone was the major challenge of this country.
“Events have reshaped this understanding to mean that followership is as guilty as the leadership.
“This indeed has reinforced the philosophy that defines leadership as a reflection of the people. Consequently, we need to mind the mindset of our followers and members.
“There is therefore the need to reorient the people and for the people to begin to change their attitudes and behaviours. There is also the need for the people to be the catalyst for growth and development.
“To this extent, the Labour Party will constantly invest in political education. This underscores the importance of having a virile, strong, and articulate Political Education Committee that will assist the party in mobilising and conscientising the people, preparing them for citizens’ engagement in the country.
“We have therefore appointed Rt Hon Ativie Elizabeth, former Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, as the Chairman, and Mr. Bulus Maisamari as the Secretary of the Education Committee. Other members of this committee will be announced in due course.
“We are therefore determined to reposition our Labour Party and make it the biggest political brand in readiness for future political engagements. Nigeria has remained in the doldrums for too long, and we are poised to rescue the nation.”