The Labour Party says it remains unbothered by recent defections from its fold, declaring that the exits will only sharpen its internal discipline and strengthen its resolve to lead a new political order in Nigeria.
Senator Nenadi Usman, the acting National Chairman of the party, said this while addressing journalists in Kaduna on Saturday, following concerns over the growing number of members dumping the LP for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“We are not shaken,” Usman said. “Some of the people leaving were never committed to our vision. Their departure has exposed the need for deeper vetting and has opened the door for true believers in our mission.”
She described the current APC-led administration as “rudderless and visionless”, accusing it of plunging Nigerians into the worst economic hardship in the country’s history.
“Nigerians are tired of broken promises. The APC has failed the ordinary citizen and made living conditions intolerable,” she said, adding that the LP was focused on offering a people-centred alternative.
Reacting to the defections, Usman did not mince words.
“It is morally wrong and legally questionable for people to get elected on a party platform only to jump ship when it suits their ambition,” she said. “Such behaviour reflects the transactional mindset we are working to dismantle.”
She confirmed that the party would begin a nationwide revalidation of its membership in the coming weeks, along with local congresses and a national convention – all sanctioned by the National Executive Council of the Labour Party.
While acknowledging that the LP had made mistakes in past candidate selections, Usman said those lessons were valuable.
“We will not repeat the same errors. Going forward, our focus is on competence, commitment, and shared vision,” she said.
She urged aggrieved members to return and rebuild the party with unity of purpose, promising that the Labour Party was still the strongest vehicle for achieving a new Nigeria.
Despite internal challenges and the wave of political realignments, Usman insisted the LP is “here to stay.”
“We are not a party of convenience. We are a movement with a clear direction, and we are ready to lead,” she concluded.
