Mr Adefolarin Oria, Labour Party, LP, candidate for the Ondo Central Senatorial District in the 2023 general election, raised an alarm about the party’s chances in future elections, claiming that differences within the party could hamper its performance in 2027.
Oria, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Akure, faulted the leadership of the party for failing to ensure inclusiveness and cohesion.
“The way the party presents itself, as if it belongs to a specific group, makes it difficult for indigenous people from other regions to accept it,” he said.
Oria projected leadership clashes, including the row over the party’s gubernatorial candidate in the 2024 Ondo State election.
The LP was involved in a court fight between the nomination of Mr. Sola Ebiseni and Mr. Ayo Olorunfemi, resulting in a divided front.
“Politics is about inclusiveness. Unfortunately, the leadership of our party is selfish,” Oria stated.
“They need to bridge divides and engage all ethnic groups rather than being perceived as a party for a particular tribe.”
He also criticised the appointment of a state chairman who could not speak the local language, arguing that such a move alienates the party from the indigenous population.
“We must make our political party friendly and accommodating to all regions of the country,” he said.
“There is no leadership without the people.”
Oria warned that unless the LP urgently restructures and adopts a more inclusive approach, it will struggle to secure victory in the 2027 elections.
