By Luminous Jannamike

ABUJA – In a bid to bolster the Labour Party’s position ahead of the 2027 general elections, key stakeholders operating under the banner of the Rescue Movement for New Nigeria have called for unity, accountability, and an end to ethnic profiling within the party.

This appeal follows a recent statement by Ms Oluchi Opara, former National Treasurer, in which she denied the role of Chief Faduri Oluwadare Joseph in reviving the party in 2022, as well as his status as a presidential aspirant.

In response, the Rescue Movement, through a statement signed by its National Media Director, Rev Emmanuel Olorunmagba, described Ms Opara’s assertions as misleading and disconnected from the internal realities of the party.

The group reiterated that Faduri Joseph was, indeed, a presidential aspirant who stepped down for Mr Peter Obi during the Labour Party primary held in Asaba, Delta State, in 2022.

“One would expect someone who held the sensitive position of Treasurer to be well-informed. Instead, Ms Opara’s comments suggest she was uninvolved and unaware of the party’s internal dynamics,” the statement read.

The stakeholders strongly refuted her claims, pointing to documented evidence, including media reports, photographs, and videos from the 2022 primary as proof of Faduri Joseph’s involvement.

They further criticised Ms Opara’s tenure as Treasurer, suggesting that her remarks exemplify the ‘unseriousness and detachment’ that plagued the party’s leadership during that time.

Addressing the persistent perception of the Labour Party as an ‘Igbo agenda’ platform, the statement clarified that the Obidient Movement stemmed from the Rescue Movement for New Nigeria— a platform initiated by Faduri Joseph and supported by Nigerians from a wide range of ethnic backgrounds.

“The Labour Party is not, and must never become, an ethnic or regional party. One of the critical errors we made in 2023 was allowing the public to perceive the party as advancing an ‘Igbo agenda,’” the statement noted.

The stakeholders urged party leaders, members, and supporters to prioritise national interest over personal egos and ethnic divides, stressing that unity is essential if the APC government is to be unseated in 2027.

They also called on Ms Opara to retract her claims, seek the truth, and issue a public apology. Additionally, they urged the party to focus on building a credible, inclusive, and united front capable of rescuing Nigeria from its current challenges.

“A house divided against itself cannot stand. We need one party, one voice, one vision, and that vision must be grounded in truth, accountability, and the national interest above all else,” the statement added.

Having gained considerable momentum during the 2023 elections, the Labour Party now faces the critical task of resolving its internal divisions and repositioning itself as a viable alternative to the ruling APC.