The Labour Party (LP) in Lagos State is actively engaged in efforts to address internal factionalization and discord among various aggrieved groups within the party, affirming its commitment to fostering unity and cohesion.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Lagos, Pastor Dayo Ekong, the Chairperson of the Lagos LP, revealed that comprehensive measures have been implemented to mitigate factionalism and promote harmony within the party’s ranks.
Ekong emphasized the critical importance of unity within the party to enhance its electoral prospects both in Lagos State and across the nation. She underscored the existence of a peace reconciliatory committee dedicated to resolving internal rifts and unifying divergent factions within the party.
According to Ekong, concerted efforts are underway to ensure inclusivity and bring all stakeholders together under a common vision and purpose. She urged aggrieved party members to prioritize the collective interests of the Labour Party above personal or sectional affiliations.
The current state of factionalization within the party has been a cause for concern, with multiple groups laying claim to leadership roles within the Lagos LP. The crisis escalated with the emergence of a factional leader, Olumide Adesoyin, in July 2023, leading to further polarization within the party.
The Adesoyin-led faction has openly disavowed the leadership of the Ekong-led executive committee, exacerbating tensions within the party, particularly in the lead-up to the 2023 general elections. Additionally, another faction aligned with the former Lagos state chairman of LP, Prince Ifagbami Awamaridi, further complicates the situation.
As the Labour Party navigates these challenges, the concerted efforts of party leadership, including Ekong and other stakeholders, remain pivotal in fostering reconciliation, restoring unity, and positioning the party for future electoral success.