Mr. Adefolarin Oria, the Labour Party (LP) candidate for Ondo Central Senatorial District in the 2023 general election, has raised concerns over the party’s future electoral prospects, warning that internal divisions could jeopardize its chances in 2027.
Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Akure, Oria criticized the party’s leadership for failing to promote inclusivity and unity, arguing that its current approach alienates potential supporters.
“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 stated.
Oria also pointed to leadership struggles within the party, particularly the controversy surrounding the nomination of the LP’s governorship candidate for the 2024 Ondo State election.
The party has been embroiled in a legal dispute over the candidacy of Mr. Sola Ebiseni and Mr. Ayo Olorunfemi, leading to internal divisions.
“Politics is about inclusiveness. Unfortunately, the leadership of our party is selfish,” Oria said. “They need to bridge divides and engage all ethnic groups rather than being perceived as a party for a particular tribe.”
He further criticized the appointment of a state chairman who does not speak the local language, arguing that such decisions alienate 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.
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