The outgoing National Chairman of the Labour Party, Mr Dan Nwuanyanwu, has explained the rationale behind his reported resignation as the National Chairman of the party.
He disclosed to Channels Television that he has made his unavailability for re-election in the forthcoming National Convention of the party known to the National Working Committee (NWC) and National Executive Council (NEC) of the party.
“I am still the National Chairman of the Labour Party. I only gave notice to the National Working Committee (NWC) and the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Party yesterday that I will not be available for re-election in the October 4 Convention of the party”, he said via a telephone interview on Sunrise Daily on Thursday.
He further added that though he has no constitutional impediment, he reserves the right, under the constitution, to run for another office in the party, since the belief of the party remains that “so far you are accepted and wanted by the people, you can continue to be elected into office.
“But having piloted the affairs of this party since 2004; having built the party to produce governors and senators, I think it is time to go; so I gave that notice yesterday. I will lead the party to the convention, a new leadership will emerge and I will step out of the leadership of the party”, he added.
Debunking rumours that the Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko is set to dump the party, Mr Nwuanyanwu noted that the party is an institution and at such bigger than an individual. He was, however, quick to add that the NEC meeting held on Wednesday recorded an impressive turnout by members, including the said governor.
“Governor Mimiko attended our NEC yesterday, he made contributions and he spoke to the delegates. The NEC was well attended by NLC President, TUC President, TUC General Secretary; the NEC was full.
“Labour Party is an institution. When we started building the party, there was no Governor Mimiko”, he said. “We started in 2004 and Governor Mimiko joined us in 2006. Assuming Governor Mimiko leaves, which is not admitted here, the party will still be there. If Nwuanyanwu leaves, as I will leave on the 4th of October, the party will still remain.
“We have established an institution that we expect those coming behind us will build upon and then develop the party”, he noted.
He also urged the public not to read meanings into their decisions.
