The National Vice-Chairman of the Labour Party (LP) for North-Central, Ibrahim Idoko, has criticised the National Coordinator of the ‘Obidient Movement,’ Yunusa Tanko, for claiming that the movement is larger than the LP and played a key role in bringing it into the spotlight.
In a recent interview with Arise News, Tanko asserted that the movement’s influence surpassed that of the party and stressed its independence.
He also suggested that the movement might consider joining another political platform in the 2027 elections if the LP fails to adopt its values of good governance and accountability.
In response, Idoko issued a statement on Wednesday, rejecting Tanko’s remarks and labeling him a political opportunist trying to cater to his benefactors.
He pointed out that the Labour Party had been winning elections and making significant strides long before the Obidient Movement emerged.
“To say the least, this is laughable, coming from a one-time national chairman of a deregistered political party. Tanko and his allies need a brief history lesson on the Labour Party and its successes before the rise of the Obidient Movement,” he said. “It is obvious that Tanko and his co-travellers are either living in denial or are grossly misinformed; either way, they are just being mischievous.”
Idoko further reminded Tanko that the Labour Party has had electoral successes long before the Obidient Movement, including governors like Alex Otti of Abia State and Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State.
He also said that several prominent politicians, such as Senator Ovie Omo-Agege and Senator Joshua Dariye, were elected under the LP banner.
“Tanko is simply being mischievous and seeking relevance from his paymasters. If Tanko and his allies wish to pursue an alternative path to the LP in 2027, so be it. We bear no grudges, but we are confident that under the leadership of Barr. Julius Abure and the current National Working Committee, the Labour Party will only grow stronger, and in 2027, LP will emerge victorious in the elections.”
Idoko, who also serves as the LP chairman for Benue State, reaffirmed the commitment of North-Central LP chairmen to support Abure in advancing the party to new heights.