The caretaker leadership of the Labour Party (LP) in Lagos State has reaffirmed that Pastor Mrs. Dayo Ekong, the party’s former state chairperson, remains suspended and therefore lacks the authority to issue statements on behalf of the party. This follows her recent remarks criticizing the political direction of the LP’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
Earlier this week, Ekong took to her X handle to argue that Obi’s popularity during the 2023 elections was not solely due to his personal appeal but also the result of strong party structures, grassroots mobilization, and widespread public desire for change. She further claimed that Obi’s influence was waning, accusing him of inconsistency and divisive political decisions.
“In 2023, Nigerians rallied behind him because he represented a fresh alternative,” Ekong wrote. “But today, his actions are beginning to erode the foundation of that support. Back-to-back failures in Imo and Edo should raise questions about Obi’s political strategy. A wise politician should know when to stop and think deeply about the direction he is heading.”
Reacting to the statement, Lagos LP Caretaker Chairman, Rotimi Odunaike, dismissed Ekong’s comments as “unauthorized” and “fraudulent,” stressing that she was suspended on May 12, 2025, for gross misconduct, constitutional violations, and anti-party activities. He warned the media and the public against taking her words as representing the Labour Party.
“The attention of the legitimate leadership of the Labour Party in Lagos State has been drawn to recent unauthorized statements made by Pastor Mrs. Dayo Ekong, who continues to impersonate and masquerade as the Lagos State Chairman despite her formal suspension and several judicial pronouncements that clarify the leadership situation,” Odunaike said.
He further accused Ekong of contributing to the party’s instability, noting that her leadership failures played a role in the refusal of INEC and LASIEC to recognize LP candidates in recent Lagos by-elections.
“It is particularly galling that the very individual whose reckless leadership and constitutional violations created the premise for electoral bodies not to recognize our candidates now has the audacity to blame others for electoral outcomes,” he stated.
Odunaike added that her latest criticism of Obi only reflects a pattern of “self-serving behavior,” insisting that Obi was the figure who brought the party unprecedented electoral victories in 2023.
“To Pastor Dayo Ekong: your suspension stands, your authority is revoked, and your continued impersonation of a party official is both fraudulent and destructive,” Odunaike declared.
He called on party members to ignore Ekong’s remarks and instead rally behind the caretaker leadership, assuring that the LP is focused on rebuilding its structures for the future.
“We are rebuilding what was damaged by failed leadership. Under legitimate leadership, the Labour Party in Lagos State and across the country is emerging stronger and preparing to deliver a new Nigeria that works for all,” he concluded, adding that the party will no longer dignify Ekong with responses as her “credibility died with her suspension.”
