The Labour Party (LP) in Bayelsa State is grappling with internal turmoil as the State Executive Council of the party announces the expulsion of its governorship candidate in the recently concluded election, Udengs Eradiri.
Additionally, the local government and ward chairmen of the party have been dissolved.
The state LP chairman, Eneyi Zidougha, revealed that Eradiri was expelled for allegedly contravening the party’s codes and conduct.
However, Eradiri dismissed the claim, urging the public to disregard Zidougha’s statements, asserting that the party’s constitution did not grant him the authority to expel members.
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Zidougha cited Article 12 sub-section 60 (2) of the party’s constitution, conferring powers on the council and national council, as the basis for the expulsions and dissolution of local government and ward chairmanship positions, claiming their tenure had expired since June 2023.
In response, Eradiri accused Zidougha of betraying the party by endorsing the State Governor, Douye Diri, who was the governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
He highlighted allegations that Zidougha and some exco members accepted money to endorse the PDP candidate, further asserting that Zidougha lacked the authority to take disciplinary measures against party members.
In a significant development, the LP Local Government Chairmen Forum of Bayelsa has announced the indefinite suspension of Zidougha and his executive committee, citing their involvement in anti-party activities during the recent governorship election.
John Tobi, chosen as the acting state LP chairman, disclosed that the suspension followed unanimous decisions by six out of eight local government chairmen and over 80% of the party’s ward chairmen.
The crisis underscores deep-seated factionalism within the Bayelsa State chapter of the Labour Party, with conflicting claims and counterclaims among key figures.
The situation may impact the party’s stability and cohesion, potentially affecting its future political endeavors in the state.
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