The Republican International Institute (IRI) has praised the National Labor Committee led by Julius led (NWC) of the Labor Party (LP) for its inclusive policies on marginalized groups and its commitment to expand political participation in the country.
The director of the Institute resident program, Sentell Barnes, gave the recommendation on Monday during a visit to the national headquarters of the party in Abuja.
Barnes, according to a statement issued by the National Secretary of Advertising of the LP, Mr. Obiora IFOH, described IRI programs and projects in Nigeria, emphasizing efforts to promote the inclusion of marginalized groups in political parties through policies and defense initiatives workshops.
In his response, Abure highlighted the progress of the party to guarantee the inclusion in its structures and activities.
He said that the LP had constantly promoted the political participation of women, including the law of 35% of legislative seat reserves for women, as well as designating women in leadership positions at local, state and national levels.
Remembering the efforts of the party to promote gender inclusion during the general elections of 2023, Abure said: “The Labor Party issued forms of free nomination to women who aspire to elective positions, a gesture that contributed to the election of two women in the federal legislature, one in the House of Representatives and another in the Senate.”
In addition, he revealed that several state presidents of the party are women, citing Edo, Rivers and the states of Lagos as examples.
Regarding youth inclusion, Abure explained that the party had established an address of youth issues, with plans to develop it in an institute to empower and educate young people in politics.
According to him, “many young people benefited from free or subsidized nomination forms in recent elections, which allowed several of them to ensure elective offices throughout the country.”
Abure also emphasized the support of the party to less privileged applicants who often face financial barriers in politics.
“The decision of the party to provide free nomination forms to candidates with financial disadvantages allowed the new participants to the political space, many of whom won elections,” he said.
Resting the commitment of the LP, Abure said that it would continue to defend inclusion and provide opportunities for women, young and disadvantaged.
The party leader expressed optimism that these measures would result in a greater representation of marginalized groups in the 2027 general elections.
Abure also informed the resident director about various political initiatives of the party, which include the inclusion of young people, women and people with disabilities (PWD) in the administration of the party and the electoral response.
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