Ahead of the Edo governorship election in 2024, the National Chairman of the Labour Party, Barr Julius Abure has said that the party’s flagbearer will only emerge from votes of delegates in the primary election.
Abure, who is on a thank-you tour to Edo State Labour Party leaders and the leadership of various support groups, disclosed this while briefing journalists in the State.
According to him, the Labour Party is prepared to demonstrate internal democracy in allowing delegates to decide who becomes the party’s flagbearer in the 2024 governorship election.
“We are going to look at the pedigree, capacity and antecedents of aspirants to be sure we don’t present the wrong candidate to Edo People.
“Deep pocket will not determine our choice of governorship candidate because Edo people believed in us, that was why we were given 79% votes at the Presidential election.
“So, for that kind gesture, we will reciprocate by presenting someone who we believe will Govern Edo People with a human face and not a dictator.
“I have not endorsed any aspirant; rather, our doors are open for new members as our primary election is going to be competitive.
“You know, over the years, our quarrel with the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the All Progressives Congress, APC, is that they lack internal democracy. They imposed money-bag politicians on the people, who after emerging in their positions, sabotage the people with bad leadership,” he said.
Abure further commended the State leadership of Labour Party led by Comrade Kelly Ogbaloi for standing tall with him in his moment of trials, and for showing exemplary leadership attributes.
According to him, his visit to Edo State has enabled him to address internal wrangling in the party where all aggrieved members have placed their grievances behind and prepared to chart the way forward to ensure the Labour Party produced the Governor of Edo State.
“I am in Edo State basically to appreciate leaders of the Party especially my ward leaders whose support I have enjoyed before, during and after the election.
“My ward is the stronghold of PDP; for members of the party to vote massively for the Labour Party in the past Presidential Election and the State House of Assembly election, I believe we are going to enjoy the same in the governorship election,” he added.