Ibrahim Idoko, the national vice-chairman (north-central) of the Labour Party (LP), says the Obidient movement is not bigger than the party.
The LP chief is reacting to a recent statement by Yunusa Tanko, national coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide.
While speaking with Arise News on Tuesday, Tanko said the Obidient Movement is bigger than the LP.
“It’s clear to us that there are challenges within the Labour Party. The Obidient Movement is bigger than the Labour Party. We have them everywhere—academicians, traders, some members of other political parties,” Tanko had said.
However, in a statement issued on Wednesday, Idoko said Tanko is “either living in denial, grossly misinformed, or is being mischievous” for making such a statement.
“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,” the statement reads.
“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.”
The LP chieftain added that Tanko is “simply being mischievous and seeking relevance from his paymasters,” noting that he and his allies may “pursue an alternative path to the LP in 2027”.
Idoko said the LP will “only grow stronger” under the leadership of Julius Abure.
