By Lucky Isibor
The Edo State chapter of Labour Party has debunk claims in certain quarters that the party is collapsing its structures across the state into the Africa Democratic Congress (ADC). The party pointed out that the planned defection of a few members of the party to the ADC slated for Tuesday, 24 February in Benin City does not involve the Labour Party structure in Edo State.
In a statement signed by Comrade Kelly Ogbaloi and Comrade Frederick Akhere, Chairman and Secretary, respectively of Edo State Labour Party and made available to newsmen in Benin City on Monday, 23 February emphasised that the defection plot was planned to decieve gullible followers and inspecting members of the public, adding that the party structures remains intact in Edo, urging them to disregard the narrative that Labour Party is collapsing into ADC the state.
The statement titled, “Labour Party Edo State Statement on Staged Deceptive Defection to ADC,” stated that “The leadership of the Labour Party (LP) Edo State has observed with deep concern and utter dismay the recent activities of some members of our party. After repeated, but utterly unsuccessful attempts to lure the party’s established State Executive Committee, Local Government Area (LGA) structures, and ward-level organs into defecting With them to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) now resorted to assembling a small group of paid individuals who are no members of Labour Party (LP) and allegedly hiring commercial crowds for a staged, deceptive defection event scheduled for Tuesday, 23rd February 2026.
“This desperate, disgraceful, and cheap political plot, which was planned to deceive gullible followers and unsuspecting Nigerians that the entire Edo State Labour Party has collapsed into the ADC is nothing but a shameless attempt to create a false Narrative to Peter Obi that this decedents still wields any meaningful grip on the Edo State Labour Party struoture.
“While every Nigerian citizen is free to join or associate with any political party of their choice, the Labour Party as an institution cannot and will not “decamp” to another party except through a formal, legally recognised merger, a process that has not taken place between the LP and the ADC. Individuals including those who have arrogated the leadership of Labour Party to themselves and whatever small crowd they assembles tomorrow, including the paid ones, reserve the right to exercise their personal choices. However, the Edo State LP structures remain intact, formidable, united, cohesive, and fully operational down to the ward level, under the resolute and unwavering leadership of the State Executive Committee.”
While stating that Labour remains committed to a succeful outing in the 2027 generation elections, the statement assured party members and voters who love tge ideals and manifestos of the party that it will not be distracted by photo-op defection of those few individuals and their rented crowd.
“We remain unequivocally committed to the success of Labour Party in the 2027 general elections, all things being equal. We earnestly hope and urge all individuals involved in this shameful and desperate act of defection to reconsider their position and return to Labour Party, where the authentic structures and genuine supporters await. With the leadership crisis now fully resolved, the party stands stronger and more united than ever.
“The Labour Party Edo State will not be distracted by photo-op defection, ceremonies, rented crowds, or deceptive spectacles. Our focus remains on rebuilding, mobilizing, and delivering for the party and the progressive ideals the party represents. We call on all genuine members and supporters across the 18 LGAs and 192 Wards to stay resolute, ignore these divisive antics, and continue the work of strengthening the party from the grassroots”