…Says party remains intact
By Simeon OSAJIE
The Edo State chapter of the Labour Party (LP) has expressed deep concern and utter dismay on the recent activities of some members of the party who now resorted to assembling a small group of paid individuals who are not members of the party, allegedly hiring commercial crowds for a stage, deceptive defection event schedule for Tuesday, 23rd February 2026
Even after repeated, but utterly unsuccessful attempts to lure the party’s established state executive committee, local government area structures, and ward – level organs into defecting with them to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
This was contained in a press statement signed by its Chairman and Secretary, Comrade Kelly Ogbaloi and Comrade Frederick Akhere respectively and made available to journalists in Benin, the state capital.
The duo noted that the desperate, disgraceful and cheap political plot, which was planned to deceive gullible followers and unsuspecting Nigerians that the entire Edo State chapter of Labour Party has collapsed into the ADC is nothing but a shameless attempt to create a false narrative to Peter Obi that this decedents still wields any meaningful grip on Edo State LP structure.
They added that while every Nigerian citizen is free to join or associate with any political party of their choice, the Labour Party as an institution cannot and will not “decamp” to another party except through a formal, legally recognized merger, a process that has not taken place between the LP and ADC.
Continuing, the leadership of Edo LP pointed out that individuals including those who have arrogated the leadership of the party to themselves and whatever small crowd they assembles tomorrow, including the paid ones, reserved the right to exercise their personal choices but said the Edo State LP structures remain intact, formidable, united, cohesive and fully operational down to the ward level, under the resolute and unwavering leadership of State Executive Committee.
“We remain unequivocally committed to the success of Labour Party in the 2027 general elections. All things being equal, we earnestly hope and urge all individuals involved in this shameful and desperate act of defection to reconsider their position and return to Labour Party, where the authentic structures and genuine supporters await, with the leadership crisis now fully resolved, the party stands stronger and more united” they said.
They subsequently added that the Labour Party will not be distracted by photo-op defection, ceremonies rented crowds or deceptive spectacles, as their focus remains on rebuilding, mobilizing and delivering for the party and progressive ideals the party represents.
They then called on genuine members and supporters across the 18 local government areas and 193 wards to stay resolute, ignore these divisive antics and continue the work of strengthening the party from the grassroots.