By Chibuike Nwabuko
The recent Supreme Court verdict on the leadership dispute in the Labour Party (LP) @#×has shaken up the political landscape, providing a moment of reflection for many. Amidst the turbulence, however, one name stands out as a beacon of consistency, integrity, and strategic foresight: Eragbe Anslem Aphemia, the former National Youth Leader of the party.
Aphemia, long an unsung hero within the party, has consistently been a voice of truth in the face of internal chaos and public confusion. Over the years, he has been unwavering in his commitment to transparency, openly presenting the activities and happenings of the party with remarkable clarity. While many have hidden behind political rhetoric and partisan interests, Aphemia has remained grounded in his conviction to tell it as it is, never compromising his values or the party’s potential for truth-based leadership. His role as a leader and truth-teller should not be underestimated, as his consistency with the truth is one of the key reasons why he is a figure the party must reckon with.
What further sets Aphemia apart is his possession of a highly accurate and workable template, one that could have easily resolved doubts about the party’s standing in the 2023 general election. Had this template been made public, it would have provided the party with an indisputable analysis of the total number of votes garnered, quelling uncertainties and preventing any internal conflicts about the election results. While others were embroiled in the drama of electoral disputes, Aphemia held the keys to clarity, yet, sadly, his voice was ignored and marginalized. This template, had it been allowed to shine through, could have been the foundation for a fairer assessment of the party’s performance and the framework for future growth.
Moreover, Aphemia’s background within the party is rich with experience. Before the rise of Peter Obi, he was the presidential candidate of the party, a position that gave him an in-depth understanding of the party’s inner workings. His knowledge of the party’s dynamics, its challenges, and its potential, made him a key figure, someone who saw the party’s path before others. This insight, coupled with his ability to articulate issues effectively, made him a formidable force within the party. Unfortunately, his ability to speak truth to power became his greatest enemy. He was marginalized and, ultimately, suspended illegally by those who saw him as a threat to their authority. Aphemia’s ability to expose inconvenient truths about the party’s internal workings and his refusal to align himself with false narratives led to his sidelining — a move that only weakened the party in the long run.
Now, with the Supreme Court ruling bringing an end to the impunity of the Abure-led headship of the party, there is a unique opportunity for the party to make things right. The ruling has provided a moment of clarity, and if the party is serious about reclaiming its future and getting things right in the next election, it is time to bring Eragbe Anslem Aphemia back into the fold.
Aphemia’s wealth of knowledge, his consistent dedication to truth, and his clear vision for the party are invaluable assets that the party can no longer afford to ignore. His sidelining for so long has been a disservice to the party, and now, with the legal backing provided by the Supreme Court, it’s crucial that the party leadership begins to recognize and mainstream him into the next phase of leadership.
For the party to have any hope of success in future elections, it must begin to shed the leadership structures that have led it astray. Eragbe Anslem Aphemia, with his proven track record, should be front and center as the party rebuilds its credibility, transparency, and trust with the people. His inclusion in the next leadership could be the key to unlocking a path to victory, ensuring that the party doesn’t make the same mistakes that have plagued its past.
In conclusion, while the party has seen some positive developments, the Supreme Court ruling being one of them, it is clear that Eragbe Anslem Aphemia’s return to prominence is not just desirable — it is essential. If the party truly wants to get it right and chart a course toward success in the upcoming elections, it is time to right the wrongs of the past and elevate Aphemia to a position where his wisdom and experience can guide the party to victory. The clock is ticking, and this is a chance the party cannot afford to waste.
Mr. Chibuike Nwabuko, an Economist, Political Analyst and Public Policy Commentator, writes from Abuja.
