By Mercy Adeshina
The Labour Party (LP) in Edo State is facing a factional crisis between its members and loyalists of the Obidient movement, led by governorship candidate Olumide Akpata.
This crisis threatens the party’s chances in the upcoming September 21 governorship election.The crisis began with the suspension of National Executive Committee (NEC) Chairman Julius Abure by his ward chapter and the dissolution of the State Working Committee (SWC) led by Kelly Ogbaloi. Abure, who hails from Edo State, appointed a caretaker committee led by Elizabeth Ativie, but Akpata and his supporters have not accepted this new leadership.
The crisis deepened during the inauguration of the party’s campaign council and unveiling of the Akpata Campaign office, where Abure and his supporters were absent. Ativie condemned Akpata’s decision to work with Ogbaloi, stating that it goes against the party’s constitution.
Akpata, however, believes that the internal crisis will not affect the party’s fortune in the election, as the people of Edo State will vote based on his message. He also stated that the party is trying to resolve the crisis through its internal dispute resolution mechanism.
The crisis has led to suspensions and counter-suspensions by factions loyal to Akpata and Abure, with some observers stating that Abure’s suspension is unhealthy for the party ahead of the election.
The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party has dismissed Abure’s suspension as a nullity, citing the party’s constitution.