RESPONSE TO OLUCHI OPARA’S REBUTTAL: A CALL FOR TRUTH AND UNITY IN THE LABOUR PARTY
We are responding to recent comments made by Ms. Oluchi Opara, the former Treasurer of the Labour Party, regarding a publication in which His Excellency Faduri Joseph referred to the current situation in the Labour Party as “poetic justice.”
It is disheartening that a former national officer of the party, someone who was involved in key events leading up to the 2023 elections, would claim to be unaware of the significant role His Excellency Faduri Joseph played in reviving the Labour Party in 2022. Her comments are filled with misinformation. It is surprising that a person responsible for the party’s finances would be unfamiliar with the payments made for the Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms, which are clearly on record. Even a politician as seasoned as Lai Mohammed would not make such an unsupported claim.
If Ms. Opara chooses to ignore the facts, she might want to ask herself why Faduri Joseph was urged to step down for His Excellency Peter Obi during the Labour Party’s presidential primary in 2022 in Asaba, Delta State. Can someone who was not an official aspirant be asked to step down for another during a political primary? There are still photos from that event, including one where Mr. Faduri Joseph and Professor Pat Utomi, both presidential hopefuls, raised Peter Obi’s hand after stepping down to allow him to become the party’s presidential candidate for the 2023 elections.
Her statements reflect a lack of engagement with the party’s affairs during her time as Treasurer. If she was truly unaware of such key events, it highlights her disconnection from the Labour Party’s operations. It is unfortunate that she did not consult relevant records or party officials, such as the former National Secretary, Dr. Abayomi Arabambi, before making misleading claims about Faduri Joseph’s presidential aspirations. Faduri Joseph paid for both his Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms, attended the Asaba primary with many supporters, and stepped down for Peter Obi. There are plenty of photos and videos still available online that easily debunk her claims.
Contrary to her remarks, Faduri Oluwadare Joseph (Fadojoe) was indeed a presidential aspirant in the lead-up to the 2023 elections. His campaign was widely covered by national media outlets such as Arise TV, Channels TV, and AIT, and featured in major Nigerian newspapers. Through his efforts, the Labour Party regained national relevance before Peter Obi entered the race just days before the Asaba primary—a fact well-known to all.
We must remind Ms. Opara that a credible party is built on honesty, accountability, and active participation—not on misinformation, pettiness, or playing to tribal sentiments.
ON TRIBALISM AND THE OBEDIENT MOVEMENT
We also want to address the recent attacks from certain members of the Obidient Movement, many of whom are our Igbo brothers and sisters. While we acknowledge the passion behind the movement, it’s essential to understand that the Labour Party is not, and should never become, an ethnic or regional group.
One of the critical mistakes made in 2023 was allowing the party to be perceived as pushing an “Igbo agenda,” which alienated many potential supporters. We must clarify: the Obidient Movement was born out of the Rescue Movement for a New Nigeria, which was founded by Faduri Joseph and registered in the United States by patriotic Nigerians of all ethnic backgrounds.
It is counterproductive to attack other aspirants or label them as opposition agents. This will only divide us and weaken our collective goal. Faduri Joseph remains one of the few credible opposition voices against the APC government, advocating for reforms and pushing the government to address critical issues.
A CALL FOR UNITY AND NATIONAL INTEREST
We urge all Labour Party leaders, stakeholders, and supporters to set aside personal interests, ethnic divisions, and petty quarrels. If we are serious about defeating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027 and rescuing Nigeria, we must start by uniting our own party.
A divided house cannot stand. We need a unified party with one voice, one vision, and that vision must prioritize truth, accountability, and the national interest.
We call on Ms. Oluchi Opara to reconsider her statements, seek the truth, and issue a public apology for the false and reckless claims she made. Only then can we move forward together to strengthen our party for the future.
Signed:
Rev. Emmanuel Olorunmagba
National Media Director, Rescue Movement for New Nigeria (aka Rescue The Vulnerable Initiative)
For and on behalf of the Rescue Movement Media Team.
