The Labour Party, LP, on Friday screened two presidential hopefuls and senatorial aspirants, including former Minister of Information Labaran Maku, for the upcoming party primaries.
While speaking to journalists at the party’s national headquarters on Friday, the candidates expressed their willingness to adhere to the party’s consensus decisions concerning the zoning formula.
They noted that the consensus arrangements may not be enshrined in the party constitution but rather represent a gentleman’s agreement aimed at fostering peace within the party.
During the screening process, a candidate from Benue State and the former National Treasurer of the Obidient Movement, Dr. Peter Agada, informed Senator Nenadi Usman’s committee that he has established the necessary framework to create a significant impact in the presidential election.
He said, “I have been working with a network in the movement that I formed immediately after I resigned as the Director of Finance of the Obidient Movement. The movement has grown. My network across the country is strong.
“There are leaderships, there are memberships, a lot of them in the Labour Party. So I have spoken to them and I shared my vision with them. Of course, the vision is not easy. We’ve been building it for the last 20 years. So we are ready for any intense battle.
“We will see the battle. We are hoping to fight.”
He elaborated further that, in spite of the recent crises that have shaken the LP, the majority of its members continue to maintain their faith.
“You see, we have numerous other members like myself who did not leave. They did not shift. They remained with the local party. Some of them have ventured into other areas,” he said.
Another presidential aspirant from Ebonyi State, 35-year-old Samuel Nwigwe, expressed that the corruption within the Nigerian system fueled his ambition to rectify many administrative issues in the nation.
He stated that no nation in the world was created by divine intervention but rather by human effort, and therefore, he has come to contribute a wealth of experience to elevate Nigeria to a commendable status.
Nwigwe said that Nigeria could attain swift development by implementing governance models from nations like the United Kingdom, Singapore, Canada, and the Netherlands.
He stated that his experiences abroad have led him to believe that Nigeria can establish a secure and productive economy through robust institutions and efficient social welfare systems.
He pointed to the UK’s welfare and security framework as a model for Nigeria to follow, emphasizing that no child should experience hunger in a country endowed with vast resources.
Nwigwe also urged for immediate constitutional reforms and enhanced security response mechanisms to address kidnapping and violent crimes throughout the nation.
He noted that insecurity has displaced numerous Nigerians and diminished public trust in the government, but this situation can be remedied through political determination and responsible leadership.
Labaran Maku said he is committed to advocating for national reforms and a new constitution if he is elected as a senator on the LP platform.
The former minister emphasized that in order to rectify the issues facing Nigeria, “the existing governance framework must be restructured to tackle insecurity and disunity.”
He further remarked that his background as a journalist, editor, and public official during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan has influenced his dedication to accountability and democracy.
He said, “I contend that the insecurity in Nigeria is rooted in politics. It is essential to eliminate violence from politics to facilitate development and safeguard citizens.
“We require a comprehensive constitution and a government that will foster unity in Nigeria.”