Eradiri Blasts Labour Party, Calls It ‘As Rotten as the System They Claim to Fight

Udengs Eradiri, the former Labour Party candidate in the recent Bayelsa State governorship election, has harshly criticized his former party, claiming it is “as rotten as the same system they claim to be fighting.” , Eradiri opened up about his disillusionment with Nigerian politics and explained his reasons for quitting the Labour Party.

“I thought Nigerians truly meant their call for good governance and leadership, but it’s all a farce,” he said. “Nigerians are not serious. They are just looking for who will give them money,” he lamented, adding that his campaign was marred by money politics, where financial backing rather than actual leadership determined the outcome of elections.

Eradiri shared his frustrations about the campaign process, revealing how, on Election Day, voters were more focused on money than on any candidate’s ability to lead. “They were after money, looking for who will bring money,” he said. He recounted the challenges he faced, explaining that although he did not have the resources to offer voters, his opponents had already secured financial backing. “In my village, millions were deployed to buy votes. It was ‘see and buy,’” Eradiri recalled, calling the election a “disgrace.”

He also criticized Labour Party’s internal operations, citing numerous instances of injustice. “From day one, the injustice started against me to stop me from the process,” he claimed. Despite the national headquarters of the Labour Party allegedly sending N100 million to the state for the election, Eradiri pointed out discrepancies where the state leadership claimed only N50 million had been received. He accused the national chairman of the party of promising to address the issue but never taking any action.

Eradiri further claimed he was overcharged for his nomination form, paying N25 million for a form that was reportedly sold to others for N15 million. Although he was promised a refund of the N10 million difference, he stated that he had yet to see the money despite numerous requests.

In his assessment, the Labour Party in Bayelsa was effectively an extension of the state government, with the local party leadership being closely aligned with the government’s interests. “From day one, we expected failure,” Eradiri said, reflecting on his decision to enter politics under the party’s banner.

While discussing the financial struggles he faced during the campaign, Eradiri noted that his only financial support came from Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, who personally contributed N20 million. “The party had given me conditions, and when I didn’t have the money to offer, they sided with the governor,” Eradiri said, expressing frustration over the lack of genuine support from the party.

Despite the overwhelming challenges and pressures, Eradiri expressed pride in his integrity. “I had all the offers, all the pressures, but I said I wanted to see the end of it. I’m not for sale. I’m a man who stands by conviction,” he stated.

Reflecting on the state’s economic condition, Eradiri lamented Bayelsa’s continued struggles despite its vast natural resources. “Bayelsa is too rich to be in this quagmire. What are we doing with the resources that we have?” he questioned, advocating for a shift in focus from oil dependency to harnessing other natural wealth.

Concluding his remarks, Eradiri criticized the money-driven nature of Bayelsa’s political landscape. “Politics in Bayelsa is all about negotiation, ‘Come, let’s go and negotiate and take something,’” he said, adding that this transactional approach to politics had led to the region’s stagnation.

Having left the Labour Party, Eradiri hinted that while he was recalibrating his political future, his commitment to advocating for good governance remained steadfast.