LP Lawmakers Haven’t Given Party a Dime Since 2023 Elections – Abure
The National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), Julius Abure, has voiced concerns over the lack of financial support from the party’s federal lawmakers since their election in 2023. Speaking at a town hall meeting organized by the Lagos chapter of the party, Abure expressed his dissatisfaction with the current situation and pointed out the need for solidarity within the party. He also issued a strong caution regarding the potential creation of parallel structures within the LP, underscoring the necessity of a unified party structure.
In his statement, Abure criticized the party’s federal lawmakers for not contributing financially to the party’s activities. Despite the Labour Party having secured significant victories in the 2023 elections—securing six Senate seats, around 30 House of Representatives seats, and numerous state House of Assembly positions—Abure claimed that these lawmakers have not made any financial contributions to the party since their election.
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“It is a fact that they don’t respect the party, it is a fact that they don’t make contributions to the party,” Abure said, adding that the party’s financial responsibility still lies with the leadership of the party. He made it clear that the situation is not typical, especially when compared to other political parties, where it is the elected lawmakers who fund the party’s activities.
Abure’s frustration highlights the party’s financial challenges, especially considering the fact that, according to him, the resources for running the party still come primarily from its leadership rather than from elected officials. He pointed out that, unlike in other parties, where elected representatives contribute to the party’s funds, the Labour Party has not seen a single kobo from its national lawmakers since the 2023 elections.
Abure also raised concerns about the aspirations of LP lawmakers to control their local government areas and constituencies. He noted that while these lawmakers demand more control over their regions and seek to influence decisions in their constituencies, they have not been willing to invest in or support the party’s overall progress.
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He remarked that this disconnection between the lawmakers’ expectations and their contributions to the party is “unfair” to the LP and its members. For Abure, it is essential for elected officials to demonstrate a commitment to the party that helped them win their positions. This commitment, according to him, should not be limited to leveraging the party’s platform for personal or political gain but should also include financial support and active involvement in strengthening the party.
Abure also addressed the issue of unity within the party. In his remarks, he urged members to avoid any tendencies toward the formation of parallel structures within the Labour Party. He emphasized that the party must operate under a single, unified structure in order to move forward effectively. Abure’s concerns about parallel structures likely stem from various factions or groups within the party that might seek to carve out their own spheres of influence, potentially causing division and weakening the party’s overall effectiveness.
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In the same breath, Abure made a direct appeal to the supporters of the ‘Obidient’ movement—those who rallied behind the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi. He urged them to officially join the Labour Party and register as members. This call was likely a response to the sizable number of people who, although enthusiastic about Obi’s candidacy, had not formally committed to the party. Abure’s plea was an attempt to bring more of the movement’s passionate supporters into the fold of the party, strengthening its base and providing much-needed resources for the party’s future.
Abure’s statements at the Lagos town hall meeting reflect a broader concern within the Labour Party about its internal dynamics and financial sustainability. The failure of elected lawmakers to contribute to the party, combined with their desire for control over local constituencies, poses a challenge to the party’s cohesion and future growth. Abure’s call for unity and his warning against parallel structures are crucial for maintaining the party’s strength as it moves forward in the post-election period.
Moreover, the appeal to the ‘Obidient’ movement supporters to formally join the party underscores the importance of ensuring that the party’s foundation is solid and its supporters are fully invested in its success. For the Labour Party to thrive in the coming years, it will need to address these internal challenges, fostering both financial support and organizational unity, while ensuring that all members—from lawmakers to grassroots supporters—are equally committed to its goals.
Source: LIB
