The Labour Party (LP) has insisted that it remains strong and united under the current leadership.
The party made the remark following the decampment of its 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
It also dismissed reports suggesting that its Deputy National Chairman, Chief Clement A. Ojukwu, has defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the claims as false and misleading.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Chief Ojukwu reaffirmed his loyalty to the Labour Party, stressing that he has no intention of leaving a party he helped to build.
“A fake news going round has it that I, Chief Clement Ojukwu, have defected to the ADC. There is no truth in that, as I will not and do not intend to abandon a house I committed my resources and energy to help build.
“It is true that some of my political associates, including Peter Obi, have chosen to defect to the ADC, but millions of our party supporters remain intact and loyal to the present leadership of the party led by Barrister Julius Abure, for whom I am deputising,” he stated.
The Deputy National Chairman expressed confidence that the Labour Party would overcome the development, describing it as temporary, while reaffirming the party’s commitment to social democracy.
“We have elected to continue preaching the ideology of social democracy, which we believe Nigeria needs at this point in time,” Ojukwu said.
He also expressed optimism ahead of the 2027 general elections, noting that the party would rebound strongly.
“2027, for us in the Labour Party, will be a year of pleasant surprises. We did it in 2023 and we can do it again,” he added.
Calling for calm among party members nationwide, Ojukwu urged supporters to remain hopeful and steadfast.
“I call on all our loyal party members to remain calm and hopeful. There will certainly be light at the end of the tunnel,” the statement concluded.