Dr. Dennis Aikoriogie, a governorship aspirant for the Labour Party in Edo State, has tendered his resignation from the party, citing concerns about biased leadership and the influence of external interests. Aikoriogie expressed apprehension that the upcoming party’s primary election may not be conducted fairly due to favoritism among the party leaders and the alleged infiltration of moneyed interests.
In his letter addressed to the LP Ward 9 Chairman in Egor Local Government and copied to the party’s national, state, and local government chairmen, Aikoriogie lamented the sidelining of individuals like himself who contributed to the growth of the party. He voiced his intention to pursue his political aspirations elsewhere, turning in his resignation effective immediately.
Aikoriogie’s communication detailed, “I joined the Labour party solely because of Peter Obi who has a proven track record and exemplary lifestyle both in the public and private sectors. I felt the Labour Party could herald a new ideology and thinking about the way politics is played in Nigeria, this made me become the Global Coordinator of Diaspora Strong for Peter Obi, a support group that cut across all continents, it garnered financial, human, and material support at the national and presidential elections, as well as the state and federal legislative elections.” Aikoriogie also expressed dismay over his perceived lack of recognition for his contributions to the party, particularly during the presidential election, and the marginalization of himself and other Diaspora-based aspirants within the party.
Responding to Aikoriogie’s claims, Kelly Ogbaloi, the party’s state chairman, refuted the allegations, dismissing them as baseless excuses and challenging Aikoriogie to substantiate his claims. Ogbaloi emphasized the party’s commitment to impartiality, asserting that all aspirants were on equal footing until the conclusion of the primaries.
Ogbaloi stated, “I can tell you that the Labour Party will do what is right in my time as the state chairman. Where aspirants appreciate his incapacity to be in a contest, he should just go peacefully without making flimsy excuses that party leaders are taking sides. The statement he made is grossly unsubstantiated. He should be able to say which of these leaders is involved in this. If he brings that before us, we (the exco) will investigate and take necessary action.”
The development regarding Aikoriogie’s resignation underscores the tumult within Edo State’s political landscape as the governorship race accelerates, casting a spotlight on the internal dynamics and challenges faced by political parties as they navigate the thorny path towards the selection of a flagbearer.
As the political drama unfolds, the eyes of the state and the nation eagerly await the resolution of these internal frictions, eager to witness the emergence of a candidate capable of effectively steering the course of Edo State’s future.
