The Labour Party in Oyo state has dismissed the factional crisis in the state and expressed confidence of victory in the 2027 elections. Its general secretary, Fatai Ojetunde, said this while speaking with journalists in Ibadan on Tuesday.

Mr Ojetunde, who expressed confidence that the party would be victorious in the 2027 presidential poll, said issues surrounding alleged factions at the national level would soon be resolved.

“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 noted that Rasheed Atayese remained the state chairman of the party, while the state congress was held on December 6, 2025.

According to him, the party also held its ward congress on December 2 and its local government congress on December 4 ahead of the local government election.

Mr 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 part as opposition by offering constructive advice to the state government.

“The government of Oyo state have 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 to 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 that will suffer,” he said. 

(NAN)