Nigeria should emulate Brazil’s election – LP

From Idu Jude, Abuja

The leadership of the Labour Party (LP) has again called for a choice of leadership made by the Nigerian workers’ union, emphasising that such a choice represents every Nigerian home.

In a press statement on Friday, the LP said it wished to use the moment of reflection on the outcome of Brazil’s election to encourage Nigerians to draw inspiration from the experience by supporting Labour Party candidates across all states.

The party, while congratulating President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil on his recent re-election for a fourth term as president, stated that Lula and his party, the Workers’ Party (PT), shared ideological similarities with the Labour Party in Nigeria.

“Our shared beliefs and political philosophy, firmly rooted in social democracy, have continued to bring our paths together in many respects. His victory aptly demonstrates the confidence reposed in his leadership and political party by the Brazilian people, who have once again given a mandate to a government whose ideological foundation is firmly rooted in social democracy.

“As Nigeria prepares for the coming general elections, the Labour Party wishes to use this opportunity to encourage Nigerians to draw inspiration from the Brazilian experience by supporting Labour Party candidates across all elective positions.”

Consequently, it said that, through the transformational leadership being provided in Abia State under Governor Alex Otti, the Labour Party had demonstrated its capacity, commitment and understanding of the needs and aspirations of the Nigerian people.

“Our political heritage, firmly rooted in social democracy, offers Nigeria an opportunity to pursue a governance philosophy that prioritises the welfare of the people, social justice, economic inclusion and equitable development. We firmly believe that Nigeria stands to gain immensely from having the Labour Party provide leadership across all tiers of government, including the presidency.

“As we continue to engage with Nigerians in the build-up to the general elections, we urge the electorate to remain confident in the Labour Party and its vision for a better Nigeria. The Brazilian experience has demonstrated the power of the people to shape their political destiny through the ballot. The same is possible in Nigeria, because People Power is greater than political power,” the statement read.