Labour Party Chieftain Claims Economic Hardship Would Have Been Avoided Under Peter Obi

Jonathan Asake, a prominent chieftain of the Labour Party and the party’s 2023 governorship candidate in Kaduna State, asserted that Nigeria would not be experiencing its current economic challenges if Peter Obi had won the 2023 presidential elections. He made this statement during the official presentation of party flags to candidates for the upcoming local government chairmanship elections scheduled for October 19.

Asake expressed confidence in Obi’s leadership, stating, “If Peter Obi had won the election as the President of Nigeria, the scenario in our country today wouldn’t have been there. Peter Obi would have moved Nigeria from a consumption to a production nation, which he actually promised during his campaign as the presidential candidate of our great party.”

He criticized the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the nation’s economic difficulties, particularly pointing to the government’s ineffective management of the oil sector. “Look at what is happening in the oil sector; all the refineries in the country are not working. The only one that is working is that of Dangote, which the government did not even allow to sell at his own price, but it is the government that is fixing the price for him. I never heard of such a thing,” Asake remarked.

Addressing rumors of an intraparty crisis, Asake described the Labour Party’s internal dynamics as “family affairs,” emphasizing ongoing restructuring efforts to strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 general elections. “There is no crisis in the Labour Party. It is a family affair. It is an association of like-minded people, and anybody who does not have the mind of the family will leave the family,” he clarified.

Asake expressed optimism about the Labour Party’s performance in the upcoming local government elections, highlighting the increasing support from Nigerians who are becoming more discerning. “Nigerians are now wiser; they will definitely stand with the Labour Party during the local government election,” he stated.

He emphasized that the Labour Party’s philosophy, centered on social justice for all citizens, resonates with many Nigerians who are disillusioned with the current state of governance.

Yusuf Danbaki, the party’s caretaker committee chairman in Kaduna State, echoed Asake’s sentiments, assuring party unity and commitment to winning the local government elections. “This is not just a meeting to give party flags to our chairmanship candidates; it is to show them that we are solidly behind them. We will support them financially, and every amount, no matter how small or big, counts,” Danbaki affirmed.