YENAGOA, Nigeria – In a pivotal moment leading up to the gubernatorial elections, the Labour Party officially launched their campaign on Tuesday, September 19, 2023 with the flag-off for their candidate, Engr. Udengs Eradiri and his deputy, Commodore Benjamin Nathus (Rtd).
Held at the opulent Aridolf Resort Wellness and Spa, in the oil rich state’s capital of Yenagoa, the event also marked the unveiling of PEAP—”Our Pact with Bayelsa State and the People.”
Engr. Udengs Eradiri became the flagbearer of the Labour Party for the November 2023 election after he won the party’s primary hailed as a “free, fair, and transparent primary” conducted by a committee led by Dr. Alex Otti, the Executive Governor of Abia State, while, Valentine Ozigbo, a 2021 Anambara Gubernational Candidate, served as the committee’s secretary.
Several political heavyweights were present, adding gravitas to the occasion. Among them were Peter Obi, the Labour Party Presidential Candidate; Barr. Julius Abure, the National Chairman of the Labour Party; Chief Benjamin Ubah; Chief Clement Ojukwu, the National Organising Secretary of the Labour Party; and other members of the Labour Party National Working Committee.
Mr Peter Obi was among the speakers and touched upon the critical issue of gender inclusion in politics.
“In a nation where women constitute almost half of the population, it’s not just morally right but economically wise to include them in decision-making processes,” Obi said.
“Women offer a unique perspective and often approach challenges differently, which can lead to more robust solutions. The Labour Party understands the value of an inclusive society, and we are committed to increasing women’s participation in politics. Our goal is to not only empower women but to empower the entire nation through their inclusion.”
Valentine Ozigbo, a revered figure in Nigerian politics and the business world, echoed Peter Obi’s sentiments on inclusion but took it a step further to discuss the significance of grassroots engagement.
“Inclusive governance is not a slogan; it is a commitment to making sure that everyone, particularly those at the grassroots, has a say in the issues that affect them,” Ozigbo told reporters.
“It is about decentralizing power and giving voice to the voiceless. The Labour Party’s vision of governance goes beyond the four walls of the State House; for us power begins from the communities, to the farmers, traders, and our industrious youth. Our candidate, Engr. Udengs Eradiri, embodies this vision, and I am proud to stand with him as we work towards a better Bayelsa State.”
PEAP—The New Social Contract
Details about PEAP—”Our Pact with Bayelsa State and the People”—were also presented. Though specifics were not fully disclosed, the pact is expected to focus on comprehensive development plans targeting education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, among other things.
Today’s event signaled not just the start of a campaign but the drawing of a roadmap for Bayelsa State’s future. With the presence of influential figures advocating for inclusion and community engagement, the Labour Party has set the tone for a forward-thinking and holistic approach to governance.
The coming weeks will prove crucial for the Labour Party, as it seeks to convert the political and social capital generated at today’s flag-off into electoral gains in the upcoming gubernatorial election.
