The factional national chairman of the Labour Party, Julius Abure, has reiterated the party’s commitment to being the political platform for Nigerians who are often excluded from mainstream political participation.
Abure made this known on Thursday during the inauguration of the party’s Directorate of Physically Challenged Persons in Abuja. He emphasised that the Labour Party distinguishes itself from other political parties by deliberately creating space for the marginalised in society.
He stated, “We have our goals rooted in social democracy. The party is for those who have no voice, for those who ordinarily will not be recognised in the scheme of things.”
Highlighting a landmark achievement by the party in the 2023 general elections, Abure pointed to a commercial motorcyclist — popularly known as okada rider — who emerged victorious in a House of Representatives election under the Labour Party platform.
According to him, this reflects the party’s openness to grassroots politicians and its willingness to support individuals often sidelined due to economic or physical limitations.
“We have made deliberate efforts to empower those who are disabled — whether by gender, sex, physical condition, or financial status,” he said.
He added that the party considers even politically and economically disadvantaged individuals as ‘disabled’, noting that Nigeria’s exploitative political culture often shuts out capable individuals from contesting for public office.
“If you have what it takes to lead, if you have the passion to develop your community but lack the financial strength to run for office, you are politically disabled. That’s why the Labour Party exists — to give you a platform,” Abure stressed.
He further charged party leaders to live by example, saying charity must begin at home if the Labour Party truly seeks to reform Nigeria. He maintained that personal change among party officials is the first step to achieving national transformation.
“If we say we are going to change the country, we believe that the change should begin with us. From the ward level upwards, party officials must first embrace this vision of inclusion and reform,” he concluded.
The newly inaugurated directorate is part of the Labour Party’s broader strategy to integrate persons living with disabilities and other vulnerable groups into active politics and governance.
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