Musa Na Alllah, Sokoto
The Labour Party (LP) in Sokoto State has concluded its state congress with a strong signal of its determination to upend the political order ahead of the 2027 general elections, electing a new executive led by Comrade Abubakar Yawale as chairman.
The congress, held on Saturday at the party’s state secretariat along Gusau Road, attracted party faithful, observers from rival political parties, and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), who monitored what stakeholders described as a peaceful and transparent exercise.
In his acceptance speech, Yawale thanked party members for the trust placed in him and his team, describing their emergence as a collective triumph driven by unity and a shared vision.
“This victory belongs to every member of the Labour Party in Sokoto. It is not about individuals, but about a renewed mission to reposition our party as a credible alternative for governance,” he declared.
Yawale pledged to lead with discipline, accountability, and a strong grassroots focus, assuring members that inclusiveness would define his leadership.
“We will serve with commitment and integrity. Our focus is to strengthen the party from the ward level upward, ensuring that every member has a voice and a stake in our progress,” he said.
He also acknowledged the role of the state party leader, Mr. Efeanyi Ezeagwu, praising his guidance and leadership in sustaining the party’s growth.
Taking aim at the broader political landscape, Yawale issued a bold warning to the ruling establishment, expressing confidence that LP would triumph in 2027.
“The era of business-as-usual politics is coming to an end. The Labour Party is ready, and by 2027, the people will decisively hand over power to us,” he asserted.
Yawale further commended INEC and election observers for their presence, noting that their oversight reinforced the credibility of the congress.
“What we have demonstrated here today is a model of internal democracy that Nigeria urgently needs,” he added.
Other officials elected at the congress include Sa’ad Ahmad Muhammad as Vice Chairman (Sokoto South), Ladan Muhammad as Vice Chairman (Sokoto North), and Dr. Lawal Ibrahim Isa as Vice Chairman (Sokoto East). Nura Abubakar emerged as State Secretary, while Alhaji Aminu Mohammad was elected Treasurer and Hajiya Amina Bashar as Women Leader, among others.
In his vote of thanks, the party’s former governorship candidate, Aminu Umar, commended members for conducting what he described as a peaceful and orderly congress.
“This process has shown that the Labour Party is prepared to lead, not just in Sokoto, but across Nigeria,” he said.
He urged the newly elected executives to uphold the principles of fairness, justice, and transparency.
“The credibility of this party depends on your actions. You must reflect its ideals in everything you do,” he stressed.
Umar also called for unity among members, emphasizing that cohesion would be critical to the party’s electoral prospects.
“The 2027 election will be decisive. Nigerians must weigh the current economic realities and choose a better path. Labour Party represents that alternative,” he stated.
In his remarks, the Sokoto State Secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Bashir Yanduna, challenged the new leadership to deliver on expectations.
“This is a serious mandate. The responsibility before you is enormous, and Nigerians are watching closely. You must not fail,” he said.
The congress was supervised by Professor Mahmoud Mohammad, who served as returning officer and affirmed the credibility of the electoral process.
Political observers note that the outcome of the Sokoto LP congress reflects growing momentum within the party nationwide, as it intensifies efforts to strengthen its structures and position itself as a major contender in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
