Patrick Utomi, a prominent figure in the Labour Party, has urged party stakeholders to focus on fostering leadership that aligns with the party’s core values and ideals. This call came in response to the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the ongoing leadership crisis within the party.
Supreme Court Ruling: A Turning Point
The ruling dismissed the Appeal Court’s decision, which had previously recognized Julius Abure as the Labour Party’s national chairman, and upheld Nenadi Usman’s appeal.
A Legacy of Unity and Strategy
In a statement on Saturday, Utomi credited the efforts of former Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Ayuba Waba, Wale Okuniyi, and himself for generating the momentum that propelled Peter Obi and the Obidients during the 2023 presidential election. He stressed that their collective work was driven by the urgent need to save Nigeria from the dominance of machine politics, which often prioritizes power capture over shared values.
The Importance of Shared Values and Accountability
He explained, “In 2015, we learned that simply capturing power is meaningless without a solid foundation of shared values and collective accountability.” Utomi reflected on the party’s mission to reshape Nigeria’s electoral democracy by creating a political platform centered on character, competence, compassion, and a commitment to service. He outlined the goal of fostering rapid economic growth, reducing poverty, and creating jobs within a competitive economy, all while promoting social harmony.
Influence of Scandinavian Models on Labour’s Vision
Utomi also highlighted his admiration for Scandinavian social enterprise models, particularly their approach to universal education and healthcare, and reiterated the importance of building a party that adheres to these social democratic principles.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for the Future
As the Labour Party works towards reconciliation and reconstruction, Utomi called for a leadership that remains true to the foundational principles of service and progress.
