Bayelsa guber candidate, running mate, party leaders dump Labour Party

By: Amaechi Okoro

The Labour Party (LP) in Bayelsa State has faced a major political shakeup as its governorship candidate in the recent election, Udengs Eradiri, and his running mate, retired Commodore Benjamin Nathus, formally announced their resignation from the party.

Their departure was accompanied by an exodus of several local government chairmen, signaling a significant setback for the party’s presence in the state.

Udengs Eradiri, a seasoned politician and advocate for youth empowerment, has long been a prominent figure in Bayelsa’s political landscape. Known for his grassroots engagement and focus on progressive governance, he previously served as the National President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC). In that capacity, Eradiri championed the rights and development of the Niger Delta region, gaining widespread recognition for his leadership and advocacy. His foray into the Labour Party was seen as a strategic move to leverage a growing platform with a vision for transformative leadership in Bayelsa State.

When Eradiri emerged as the Labour Party’s governorship candidate, he brought with him a wealth of experience and a strong network of supporters. His candidacy was viewed as a breath of fresh air in a state often dominated by entrenched political interests. Paired with retired Commodore Benjamin Nathus, a respected military officer with a reputation for discipline and service, the duo presented a compelling alternative to the political status quo.

In a resignation letter dated December 8, 2024, addressed to the Labour Party’s state chairman in Yenagoa, Eradiri cited the need to continue his political career on a platform better positioned to address the leadership needs of Bayelsa. Titled “Letter of Withdrawal as Labour Party Member,” the letter expressed his appreciation to party members who supported his vision for a better Bayelsa and his candidacy in the governorship race.

Eradiri’s letter highlighted the internal challenges he faced within the Labour Party, stating, “Unfortunately, we couldn’t scale through the intrigues and challenges implanted in the party leadership.” Despite these hurdles, he acknowledged the relationships and shared aspirations formed during his campaign, emphasizing the collective desire for impactful governance.

Reflecting on the outcome of the governorship election, in which he placed third, Eradiri revealed that his decision to leave the party was made in consultation with his loyal supporters. He underscored his commitment to identifying a new political platform that would enable him to better serve the people of Bayelsa and advance the state’s development.

“We are consulting seriously and engaging all stakeholders to know the next political party to join,” Eradiri stated. “Our next party of interest will be one that enables us to provide service to the people and move Bayelsa forward.”

Similarly, Eradiri’s running mate, Commodore Benjamin Nathus (retd), tendered his resignation from the Labour Party, echoing a shared vision for Bayelsa’s progress. Nathus expressed gratitude to party members for their support and highlighted the enriching experiences gained during the campaign.

“I am profoundly grateful for the support and camaraderie of the party members who have shared in our vision for a thriving Bayelsa and graciously provided me the opportunity to serve as a deputy governorship candidate,” Nathus stated in his resignation letter.

He described his political engagement as an honor and reaffirmed his commitment to pursuing transformative governance in Bayelsa. For Nathus, the decision to leave the Labour Party was not an end to his political journey but a step toward aligning with a platform that shares his aspirations for the state’s development.

The resignation of Eradiri and Nathus triggered a wave of defections among Labour Party officials in Bayelsa. Several local government chairmen also announced their departure, aligning themselves with the duo’s decision to seek new political affiliations.

This mass exodus has raised questions about the Labour Party’s ability to maintain its foothold in the state and underscores the challenges facing smaller political parties in Nigeria’s competitive political environment.

Eradiri’s resignation, along with those of his running mate and party leaders, has significant implications for Bayelsa’s political landscape and Nigeria’s democracy. As a figure who has consistently championed the interests of the Niger Delta, Eradiri’s actions resonate beyond party lines.

His decision to leave the Labour Party reflects broader issues of internal party dynamics, the quest for effective leadership, and the challenges of building sustainable political movements.

For Bayelsa, the move signals a potential realignment of political forces ahead of future elections. Eradiri’s consultations with stakeholders to identify a new platform suggest that he remains committed to influencing the state’s governance.

His departure also raises questions about the Labour Party’s ability to attract and retain credible candidates, particularly in states where it faces stiff competition from established parties.

On a national scale, Eradiri’s decision underscores the evolving nature of Nigeria’s democracy, where individuals and groups are increasingly prioritizing results-oriented leadership over party loyalty.

By choosing to leave a party that he felt could no longer serve the interests of Bayelsa, Eradiri has highlighted the importance of adaptability and the need for political platforms to align with the aspirations of their constituents.

The Labour Party’s experience in Bayelsa offers valuable lessons for emerging political movements in Nigeria. To remain relevant and competitive, parties must prioritize internal cohesion, effective leadership, and a clear vision for governance. The challenges faced by Eradiri and his supporters within the Labour Party underscore the need for transparent processes and a commitment to the values that attract candidates and voters alike.

As Eradiri and Nathus embark on the next phase of their political journey, their focus on advancing Bayelsa’s development remains unwavering. Their departure from the Labour Party marks a turning point in their careers and serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of politics in Nigeria.

For the people of Bayelsa, Eradiri’s continued engagement offers hope for a leadership that prioritizes their needs and aspirations. As consultations continue to determine their next political affiliation, the decisions made by Eradiri, Nathus, and their supporters will undoubtedly shape the future of the state’s governance.

In the broader context of Nigerian democracy, their actions highlight the ongoing struggle for accountable, inclusive, and effective leadership. By taking a stand for their principles, Eradiri and Nathus have reaffirmed the importance of putting the people’s interests first, setting an example for others to follow in the pursuit of a better Nigeria.

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