By Chris Udochukwu
ABUJA FCT – The Labour Party Caretaker Transition Committee Chairperson, Senator Nenadi Esther Usman has said that the recently conducted Edo State governorship election is a clear indication that the struggle for a fair and just Nigeria is far from over.
According to former Minister of Finance, the election was marred by blatant vote buying and shameless manipulation, is a reminder of the entrenched forces that continue to undermine our democracy. The scale of electoral malpractice, the audacity of those who peddle the votes of the people as though democracy were a commodity to be traded, must alarm every patriotic Nigerian. We cannot, and we will not, allow this to become the norm. Our democracy must represent the will of the people, not the will of a selected few who thrive on corruption and the subversion of justice.
Sen Usman stated this at the weekend at the Big Tent National Conference 2024 with the theme: A New Nigeria is Possible held at Barcelona Hotel, Wuse 2 Abuja.
The full speech reads in full:
REMARKS BY DISTINGUISHED SENATOR NENADI USMAN, NATIONAL CHAIRMAN, LABOUR PARTY CARETAKER COMMITTEE, AT THE BIG TENT NATIONAL CONFERENCE, BARCELONA HOTEL, WUSE 2, ABUJA.
His Excellency Mr Peter Obi, His Excellency Dr Alex Oti, Distinguished Senator Ireti Kingibe, His Excellency Mr Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, Other Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members, Prof. Pat. Utomi, Chairman of the Conference, Prof. Chris Nwokobia, Respected Leaders and Dignitaries, Esteemed Party Members, Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is both an honour and a solemn duty to address you at this critical juncture in our nation’s history. Today, we gather under the banner of hope, united by the theme of this conference: “A New Nigeria is POssible.”
I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Big Tenth for organizing this conference and their firm commitment to the Nigerian Project. Your tireless efforts in promoting good governance, social justice, and youth empowerment have made a significant impact on our citizens. Thank you for your selfless service and unwavering optimism.
I am honored to acknowledge Mr Peter Obi’s tireless efforts in championing a better Nigeria. We celebrate his exceptional leadership, integrity, innovative policies, people-centered approach and commitment to good governance, which have inspired a generation. We salute his vision for a New Nigeria and pledge to continue working towards this goal.
Today, we also celebrate Governor Alex Otti’s exemplary leadership, which has transformed Abia State and inspired a nation. His commitment to good governance, transparency, and accountability has earned him accolades in Nigeria and beyond. Through his visionary governance, he has demonstrated empathy and dedication to the welfare of Abia State citizens. We also salute his leadership and vision for a New Nigeria.
We also celebrate the tireless efforts of Prof. Pat Utomi, a champion of good governance and a beacon of hope for a New Nigeria. His legacy is a testament to the power of collective action and the vision of a better Nigeria. As the founder of Big Tenth, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to the values that matter most to Nigerians. We salute his leadership, vision, and dedication to Nigeria’s progress.
As we reflect on the possibility of a new Nigeria, we must first confront the harsh realities we face.
The recent Edo election, marred by blatant vote buying and shameless manipulation, is a reminder of the entrenched forces that continue to undermine our democracy. It is a clear indication that the struggle for a fair and just Nigeria is far from over. The scale of electoral malpractice, the audacity of those who peddle the votes of the people as though democracy were a commodity to be traded, must alarm every patriotic Nigerian. We cannot, and we will not, allow this to become the norm. Our democracy must represent the will of the people, not the will of a select few who thrive on corruption and the subversion of justice.
As the Labour Party, we have always stood for the people—the ordinary Nigerians whose voices are often silenced by the powerful. And this is why we must not retreat in the face of these challenges. We must stand stronger, more determined, and resolute that no matter the level of vote buying, manipulation, or intimidation, we will not waver in our mission to build a new Nigeria—a Nigeria where democracy is genuine, and every vote truly counts.
And as we gather here, our hearts heavy with the weight of 64 years of independence, we must ask ourselves: what is there to celebrate? Yes, we have gained political independence, but we remain shackled by poverty, hunger, and a crushing cost of living that keeps our people in perpetual suffering. At 64, Nigeria should be a beacon of progress, but instead, we are grappling with staggering unemployment rates, unprecedented levels of insecurity, and an economy that is teetering on the brink of collapse. The average Nigerian is struggling just to survive, while the cost of basic necessities continues to soar beyond reach.
What we face today is not just a political crisis; it is a moral crisis. We are witnessing the consequences of decades of mismanagement, corruption, and leadership failure. Our people are hungry—not just for food, but for justice, for dignity, for a country that respects their rights and gives them the opportunity to thrive. The poverty in the land is not just about empty stomachs, but about empty promises that have been made to our people year after year.
Yet, despite all these challenges, I stand before you today filled with hope. Because I believe, and we all believe, that a new Nigeria is possible. This hope is not born of wishful thinking but of the commitment and resilience of Nigerians who have refused to give up on their country. It is born of the belief that we can, and we must, rewrite the story of our nation.
But this change will not come easily. We are up against forces that are deeply entrenched—forces that benefit from the status quo and will fight tooth and nail to keep things as they are. We have seen how they operate—how they buy votes, manipulate results, and twist the system to serve their interests. But we must not lose heart.
The Labour Party has always stood for integrity, transparency, and the empowerment of the people. Our mission is clear: to create a Nigeria where merit and competence are the criteria for leadership; where every Nigerian, regardless of their tribe, religion, or background, has a fair chance to succeed. This is the Nigeria we are fighting for, and this is the Nigeria we will achieve.
The road ahead is difficult, and the challenges are many, but we are undaunted. The history of every great nation is the history of struggle and sacrifice, and Nigeria is no exception. We have fought too hard and come too far to turn back now. We must continue to challenge the forces of corruption, injustice, and oppression. We must continue to demand a system that works for all Nigerians, not just a privileged few.
And so, I call on every one of you—leaders, delegates, and members of this great party—to rededicate yourselves to the cause of a new Nigeria. Let us use this conference as a platform to strategize, to plan, and to build the structures that will deliver us victory in the coming elections. Let us be the voice for the millions of Nigerians who are tired of the lies, the deceit, and the failures of the past.
We owe it to them, and we owe it to future generations, to make this country a place where hard work is rewarded, where integrity is celebrated, and where justice prevails.
In conclusion, let me remind us all that the fight for a new Nigeria will not be easy, but it is a fight we must win. We owe it to the millions who have been failed by the system to restore their faith in what this country can be. A New Nigeria is not just a slogan. It is a vision. It is a commitment. And together, with unity of purpose and resolve, a new Nigeria is not just possible—it is inevitable.
Thank you, and may God bless the Labour Party and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Long live the Labour Party!
Long live Nigeria!
A New Nigeria is POssible!