THE governorship candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 Bayelsa governorship election, Udengs Eradiri, and his running mate, Commodore Benjamin Nathus (retd.), have announced their resignations from the party.
It was gathered that most of the local government chairmen of the Labour Party in Bayelsa State also joined Eradiri and Nathus in leaving the party.
Eradiri, who was recently conferred a fellowship by the Nigerian Society of Engineers, submitted his resignation letter to the state chairman of the party in Yenagoa.
In the letter dated December 8 and titled Letter of Withdrawal as Labour Party Member, Eradiri explained that he made the decision to enable him to pursue his political career on a platform better equipped to provide the leadership Bayelsa State deserves.
He expressed his gratitude to party members who supported his vision for a better Bayelsa State and entrusted him with the opportunity to be the party’s governorship candidate.
“Unfortunately, we couldn’t overcome the intrigues and challenges embedded in the party leadership,” Eradiri said.
He reflected on his experience, describing it as a great moment working with the party politically and touring the state in a quest for leadership.
Eradiri, who placed third in the governorship poll, added that his decision to resign was backed by his loyalists.
In his letter of withdrawal released on Thursday, Nathus noted that his decision was driven by the need to find a platform committed to providing leadership that would propel Bayelsa State towards a brighter and more prosperous future.
“I am profoundly grateful for the support and camaraderie of party members who shared in our vision for a thriving Bayelsa and graciously provided me with the opportunity to serve as a deputy governorship candidate. The journey has been enriched with invaluable experiences and insights,” Nathus stated.
He also described his time in the Labour Party as an honour, highlighting his collaboration with dedicated colleagues and his engagement with communities in the pursuit of transformative governance.
Eradiri further disclosed that he was undergoing extensive consultations to decide on his next political platform, emphasising the need for a party that would enable him to deliver the service required to move Bayelsa State forward.
“We are consulting seriously and engaging all stakeholders to determine the next political party to join. Our next party of interest will be one that enables us to serve the people and advance Bayelsa,” he said.
His defection from the LP to the ruling APC adds to the swelling number of federal lawmakers dumping one of Nigeria’s main opposition parties.
A few days back, another lawmaker Dalyop Chollom representing Barkin Ladi/Riyom Federal Constituency dumped the LP for the APC. He cited the crisis in the party as his reason.
Some weeks back, four members of the House of Representatives dumped the LP for the ruling party, citing squabbles in the Labour Party.
Following their defection, the LP threatened legal action and claimed their action was unconstitutional.