Prominent Labour Party candidate, running mate abandon Obi’s party

The Labour Party in Bayelsa State has suffered a significant blow as its 2023 governorship candidate, Udengs Eradiri, and his running mate, Commodore Benjamin Nathus (retd), formally announced their resignation from the party.

Their departure was further compounded by the exit of several local government chairmen, marking a major setback for the party in the state.

In a letter dated December 8 and addressed to the Labour Party chairman in Yenagoa, Eradiri outlined his decision to leave, citing his aspiration to align with a political platform better equipped to deliver effective leadership for Bayelsa. The former candidate, who was recently inducted as a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, expressed gratitude to party members who had supported his campaign but highlighted internal party challenges as a stumbling block to achieving his vision for the state.

His running mate, Nathus, echoed similar sentiments, thanking loyal supporters while emphasizing his desire to pursue meaningful development for Bayelsa through a more capable political platform.

Both leaders described their journey with the Labour Party as a valuable learning experience but affirmed their commitment to serving the people of Bayelsa through a new political avenue. Eradiri revealed that consultations with stakeholders were underway to determine their next political move, with a focus on joining a party capable of driving impactful change in the lives of Bayelsa residents.

This mass resignation signals a turbulent phase for the Labour Party in Bayelsa, raising questions about its internal cohesion and capacity to retain key figures ahead of future elections.