Abia State’s deputy governor Ikechukwu Emetu declared that Labour Party stands ready to embrace President Bola Tinubu, former contender Peter Obi and other luminaries should they opt to switch allegiances, as the opposition group consolidates under fresh stewardship.
Speaking at a briefing during the submission of a membership overhaul report to the Nenadi Usman-headed caretaker panel, Emetu emphasized the party’s inclusive ethos.
“The Labour Party is a party for all, irrespective of who they are. The party is a national party and is not a cult group, where people will be restricted to coming into the party,” he said.
Extending the invitation explicitly, Emetu added: “Even Mr. President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, can decide, on or before the 2027 elections, to join the Labour Party, and we will gladly accept him.”
“This is a national party; it is not a cult group where people are restricted from joining. It is a party for everybody.”
The remarks arose in response to queries about Obi’s potential return from his African Democratic Congress perch if denied a 2027 ticket, amid LP’s efforts to revamp its ranks via revalidation and digital enrollment.
Emetu, who leads the steering body on these initiatives, rebuffed defiance from deposed chairman Julius Abure, who contests a judicial ouster favoring Usman’s team.
“The only court Abure can take his appeal to now is the volleyball court. The Supreme Court judgment has also confirmed this,” Emetu quipped.
“Abure is in the past now because we have moved on.”
The dispute traces to post-2023 election fractures, culminating in a high court directive last month for electoral watchdogs to endorse Usman’s interim crew until a convention.
Abure has pledged an appeal, but the Independent National Electoral Commission has updated its records to reflect Usman as acting chair, alongside allies like Senator Darlington Nwokocha as secretary.
Backers of Abia Governor Alex Otti, aligned with the new guard, advocate moderation to mend rifts and fortify the platform ahead of future contests.
