Ibrahim Idoko, the National Vice-Chairman of the Labour Party in the North-Central region, has criticized Yunusa Tanko, the National Coordinator of the ‘Obidient Movement,’ for suggesting that the movement surpasses the Labour Party and as a result, has gained attention.
In an interview with Arise News, Tanko, while acknowledging the movement’s larger than the party, also highlighted its autonomy and the potential to align with a different political party to maintain its commitment to transparency and responsible governance in the upcoming 2027 elections, if the Labour Party were to adopt its principles.
In a statement to the media on Wednesday, Idoko rejected Tanko’s remarks, labeling him as a political opportunist aiming to gain favour with his benefactors.
He pointed out that the Labour Party has been successful in winning elections and achieving significant milestones over the years without the support of the Obidient Movement, suggesting that Tanko’s claim should be dismissed by all members and supporters of the party nationwide.
The statement read: “To say the least, this is laughable, coming from a one-time national chairman of a deregistered political party. Tanko and his allies need a brief history lesson on the Labour Party and its successes before the rise of the Obidient Movement.
“It is obvious that Tanko and his co-travellers are either living in denial or are grossly misinformed; either way, they are just being mischievous.
“The Labour Party has been winning elections across Nigeria long before now. For the record, His Excellency, Alex Otti, the current Governor of Abia State, is not the first governor elected on the platform of the Labour Party.
“His Excellency, Olusegun Mimiko, a former Governor of Ondo State, was a two-term governor. The party has also had National Assembly and House of Assembly members in various states.
“It should be noted that well-recognised politicians such as Senator Ovie Omo-Agege of Delta State, Senator Joshua Dariye of Plateau State, and Hon. Samuel Godday of Benue State, among others, were elected under the Labour Party’s platform.
“Tanko is simply being mischievous and seeking relevance from his paymasters. If Tanko and his allies wish to pursue an alternative path to the LP in 2027, so be it. We bear no grudges, but we are confident that under the leadership of Barr. Julius Abure and the current National Working Committee, the Labour Party will only grow stronger, and in 2027, LP will emerge victorious in the elections.”
Idoko, who is also the current LP chairman for Benue State, further reiterated the North-Central LP chairmen’s commitment to providing maximum support to Abure to help him elevate the party to greater heights.
