The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Labour Party on Wednesday, said it initiated a reconciliatory meeting among the Party’s Edo Gubernatorial aspirants to address grievances arising from the recently concluded Primaries in preparation for the September election.
Speaking to Newsmen in Umuahia, after the reconciliatory meeting which lasted several hours, Governor Alex Otti stated that the party initiated the process to resolve issues of discontent and prepare the members for the upcoming general elections in Edo.
The Governor emphasized the importance of reconciliation, noting that despite initial tensions, significant progress had been made.
“We discussed the affairs of the party and I am sure you are aware that primaries held last week in Edo, as both the candidate and the aspirants are here.
“We sat down together and took a report of what happened and looked at all the issues so that we could have some reconciliation ready for the election that would happen later in the year.
“Reconciliation is very vital; people sometimes after an election get offended but I can assure you that there is a lot of progress.
“Labour Party is a strong political party in Edo state and they will do well,” Otti said.
He further expressed confidence in the Labour Party ‘s strength in Edo State and endorsed the capacity of the party’s candidate, Olumide Akpata, to emerge victorious in the upcoming guber polls.
The National Chairman of Labour Party, Mr Julius Abure, emphasized the need for unity within the party and added that reconciling aspirants and the gubernatorial candidate, was crucial for the party’s success at the polls.
Abure, who noted the Labour Party’s track record of effective participation in previous elections, expressed optimism of it’s prospects in the Edo elections and assured that all internal and external conflicts had been addressed.
“We have just concluded our party primaries in Edo and the fall out of it is what you see us deal with today.
“Today under the leadership of the governor of Abia State, we are able to bring most of the aspirants together with the candidate in order to have a formidable force that will go into the campaign.
“I am sure all the gray areas that the aspirants were having have been sorted out today and I am sure that we are coming out more united and stronger. We’ll be able to face the challenges in Edo.
“I can assure you that we are going to face the campaign in Edo with equal mind with a United house an I am sure that we will do very well.
“Majority of the aspirants were here out of nine aspirants one withdrew and we have seven were here, so for us it is over ninety per cent attendance”, he said.
The LP Governorship candidate in Edo, Olumide Akpata who outlined his plans for a people-centric government, said if elected would focus on addressing citizens’ needs and protecting the interests of the people.
He affirmed that the reconciliation process was successful, and added that aspirants have pledged to support him and work together in unity for the overall success of the party in the upcoming polls.
Speaking on behalf of the LP Gubernatorial Aspirants, Dr Blessing Akele, said that the meeting was convened to understand and settle the grievances of aspirants and foster unity ahead of the September elections.
Akele noted that in view of the upcoming election in September, being united would play an essential role for the party to win the election.
She expressed satisfaction with the outcomes, highlighting aspirants’ agreement to work together for the party’s success.
