From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
The national leadership of the Labour Party (LP) has stated that it was against the party constitution for the Ogun State chapter to suspend Dr. Doyin Okupe, Director-General of the Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign Council.
The Doyin and 11 other people had their membership in the LP revoked by the Ogun State Executive Council (SEC) on Thursday due to violations of the party constitution and non-payment of dues, among other things.
But, at a press briefing in Abuja, the LP National Secretary, Alhaji Umar Ibrahim, said the Ogun state chapter had acted outside its constitutional Jurisdiction.
According to him, “The party has internal conflict resolution mechanism of handling cases against party members as enshrined in the party’s Constitution.
“Therefore, the Suspension of Dr. Doyin Okupe from the party by the Ogun state chapter is null and void. He still reman’s a card carrying member of the Labour Party and the DG of the PCC.
“The Party in solidly united behind its leads and the leadership of the PCC.”
He added that there were attempts by opposition members of some political parties to infiltrate the party’s structure at all levels because it was becoming increasingly likely that the Labour party’s candidates would win the upcoming general elections.
“The party leadership will do everything within its powers. to ensure that our cohesion is not tempered with and will not be distracted by the antics of the opposition as our candidates are already cruising to victory. Insha Allah” He stated.
Ibrahim further expressed worries over the recent attacks on party members, candidates and officials in some states particularly, in Edo, Ebonyi and Kaduna states where one of the party’s Local Government Women leaders was gruesomely murdered.
“We call on the oppositions, particularly the states governors to restrain their thugs as well as the security agencies to be more vigilant and carry out their constitutional responsibility in protecting lives and properties of the citizens.” He added.