After 15 months of consultations and engagements, six political parties under the Allied Political Parties banner and the National Consultative Front (NCFront), the umbrella body of the Third Force Movement, have agreed to adopt the Labour Party (LP) as their joint platform for the 2023 general elections.
Labour Unions Revalidate Commitment
This landmark alliance was facilitated by renewed solidarity between the leadership of the Labour Movement and the Labour Party hierarchy. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Ayuba Wabba, and Trade Union Congress (TUC) President, Quadri Olaleye, revalidated their membership of the Labour Party last week, signaling labour’s full commitment.
Coalition Involves Seven Political Parties
According to NCFront communications executive, Ms. Bilikis Bello, the endorsement followed meetings between NLC, TUC, civil society allies such as Femi Falana’s The Political Alternative Movement (TPAM), and others. The coalition involves seven parties:
- Labour Party (LP)
- African Democratic Congress (ADC)
- New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP)
- Social Democratic Party (SDP)
- Allied Peoples Movement (APM)
- People’s Redemption Party (PRP)
- National Rescue Movement (NRM)
Mega Electoral Pact Planned
To strengthen the alliance, leaders of the Third Force Movement—including former INEC Chairman Prof. Attahiru Jega (PRP), Prof. Pat Utomi (LP), and Senator Saidu Dansadau (NRM)—have been mandated to drive a mega electoral pact. The coalition is also set to establish a Consensus Technical Committee to screen and adopt a single line of candidates across the 2023 elections.
Focus on Youth Demands and Reforms
Bello noted that the alliance will be anchored on key agreements, including the Labour Charter of Demand, EndSARS Youth Demands, and a Constitutional Referendum to redefine governance and accountability in Nigeria.
Pat Utomi Calls for Mindset Shift
NCFront leader Prof. Pat Utomi urged Nigerians to embrace a new mindset for good governance, economic productivity, and people-focused leadership. He emphasized that the Third Force seeks to break decades of failed leadership that have fueled unemployment, insecurity, and underdevelopment.
Ongoing Consultations with Other Parties
Utomi revealed ongoing discussions with other political parties, including APGA, while commending allies like Dr. Usman Bugaje, PRP’s Halilu Bello, and ADC chairman Ralph Okey Nwosu for their contributions. He called on Nigerians to reject “the old way” of politics and support big ideas for national transformation in 2023.
