Dare Babalola
The Labour Party in Oyo State has denied reports of internal conflict, expressing confidence in its chances of winning the 2027 general elections.
Fatai Ojetunde, the Oyo State General Secretary of the party, spoke to newsmen in Ibadan on Tuesday, expressing confidence that the party would win the 2027 presidential election and stating that national-level faction issues would be resolved soon.
“Concerning factions at the national level, whether it is Nenadi or Aburi, it will be settled in the next three or four weeks. So far, we do not have factions in Oyo State,” he said.
The general secretary confirmed Rasheed Atayese as the legitimate state chairman of the party, noting that the state congress held on December 6, 2025.
He said the party held its ward congress on December 2 and local government congress on December 4, ahead of the local government election.
Ojetunde, who welcomed defectors, said the party was open to new members, provided they aligned with its ideology.
“Once they can align with our ideology, we will allow them, but if not, we will not allow them.
“We are yet to hear of any members crossing from our party to another political party. There are no card-carrying members of our party who are relevant defecting to any other party.
“We are not against anyone defecting if they are not able to abide by our party’s ideology,” he said.
He also said the party had been playing its role as opposition by offering constructive advice to the state government.
“The government of Oyo State has not been doing what is expected of them. For example, we want good governance in the state, and do you have good governance?
“What an opposition party should do is advise the ruling party and not confront it, because citizens of the state will bear the brunt if confrontation is employed.
“If we fight the ruling party, it is the people who will suffer,” he said.
