The All Progressives Congress (APC) has taken a swipe at the Labour Party (LP), labeling it a cash-and-carry political platform that sold its presidential ticket to the highest bidder in the last general election. According to the APC, the LP, with Peter Obi as its presidential candidate, is akin to Nigeria’s stock market.
Salihu Moh. Lukman, the National Vice Chairman, Northwest, of the APC, made this assertion during a press statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday, June 6, 2023. Lukman urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to engage constructively with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in resolving the contentious issue of fuel subsidy.
Lukman stated that the organized labor would have been the first casualty under a Peter Obi-led administration due to their differing visions. He argued that the current state of the LP did not align with the original vision of the Nigerian Labour Congress, as it had devolved into a party where candidates were selected based on their financial resources.
Lukman further encouraged NLC and TUC to establish a working relationship with the government in power to promote and defend the interests of Nigerian workers, regardless of the political party in control. He emphasized that the challenge of managing the exorbitant cost of fuel subsidy payments serves as a litmus test for President Tinubu’s commitment to delivering on his campaign promises and initiating economic reforms.
Additionally, Lukman criticized the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC, led by Senator Abdullahi Adamu, for disregarding the party’s constitution and making decisions unilaterally. He highlighted the lack of functional structures within the party, such as the National Advisory Council (NAC), National Executive Committee (NEC), and National Caucus, which are meant to promote diverse interests and negotiate policies.
Lukman pointed out that the APC’s constitution also introduced three new structures – the Women’s Wing, Youth Wing, and Persons Living with Disability Wing – to ensure representation and broaden participation. However, these structures have remained inactive under the current NWC leadership.
He concluded by asserting that forging a productive partnership with organized labor and other groups requires comprehensive political reforms. To achieve this, Lukman suggested that the APC undergo mid-term national convention to address leadership issues and create a progressive party that can fulfill the aspirations of Nigerians and their organized groups.
The APC’s criticism of the LP and its call for political reforms reflects the ongoing dynamics within Nigeria’s political landscape as different parties position themselves for the future.
