By John Ameh

Copyright tribuneonlineng

The International Republican Institute (IRI) has commended the Julius Abure-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the Labour Party (LP) for its inclusive policies on marginalised groups and its commitment to expanding political participation in the country.

The Institute’s Resident Programme Director, Mr Sentell Barnes, gave the commendation on Monday during a visit to the party’s national headquarters in Abuja.

Barnes, according to a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary of the LP, Mr Obiora Ifoh, outlined IRI’s programmes and projects in Nigeria, emphasising efforts to promote the inclusion of marginalised groups in political parties through policy development workshops and advocacy initiatives.

In his response, Abure highlighted the party’s strides in ensuring inclusivity across its structures and activities.

He said the LP had consistently promoted women’s political participation, including advocating for 35% legislative seat reservations for women, as well as appointing women into party leadership positions at local, state, and national levels.

Recalling the party’s efforts to promote gender inclusivity during the 2023 general elections, Abure noted: “The Labour Party issued free nomination forms to women aspiring for elective positions, a gesture that contributed to the election of two women into the federal legislature — one in the House of Representatives and another in the Senate.”

He further disclosed that several state chairpersons of the party are women, citing Edo, Rivers, and Lagos States as examples.

On youth inclusion, Abure explained that the party had established a directorate for youth affairs, with plans to develop it into an institute to further empower and educate young people in politics.

According to him, “many youths benefitted from free or subsidised nomination forms in the last elections, which enabled a number of them to secure elective offices across the country.”

Abure also emphasised the party’s support for less privileged aspirants who often face financial barriers in politics.

“The party’s decision to provide free nomination forms to financially disadvantaged candidates allowed new entrants into the political space, many of whom went on to win elections,” he said.

Restating the LP’s commitment, Abure assured that it would continue to champion inclusiveness and provide opportunities for women, youths, and the underprivileged.

The party leader expressed optimism that these measures would result in greater representation of marginalised groups in the 2027 general elections.

Abure also briefed the Resident Director on various policy initiatives of the party, which include the inclusion of youths, women, and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in party administration and electoral contestation.

ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE