Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on FCT Judiciary, Ibe Okwara Osonwa, has defended the use of consensus arrangements within the Labour Party, insisting that the approach has helped the party maintain internal peace and avoid the crises currently rocking the ruling All Progressives Congress.
Osonwa said the Labour Party in Abia State deliberately chose dialogue and broad consultations over confrontation in selecting candidates ahead of the party primaries.
According to him, the decision was aimed at strengthening party unity and preventing divisions that could undermine the party’s electoral chances.
“We do not want rancour in our state. We have seen what is happening in other political parties across the country and we are determined not to travel that path,” he said.
The federal lawmaker praised Alex Chioma Otti for what he described as mature and inclusive leadership, noting that the governor’s commitment to peace and cooperation played a major role in stabilising the party structure in the state.
He said the consensus arrangement emerged after extensive consultations involving party leaders and stakeholders across different political blocs.
“We sat together, discussed the interests of the party and agreed on those we believe can best represent the people. The process was built on understanding and collective agreement,” Osonwa stated.
The lawmaker argued that recent controversies surrounding the APC primaries, where several influential aspirants reportedly lost tickets amid protests and disagreements, underscored the dangers of poor consultation within political parties.
According to him, political parties that fail to prioritise unity and internal dialogue often end up battling avoidable crises.
“What is happening now in the APC confirms the importance of consensus and understanding among party members. When people are not carried along, disputes become inevitable,” he added.
Osonwa further suggested that the ruling party could have reduced tensions within its ranks if it had adopted a more inclusive approach in handling its primaries.
“Dialogue remains the best way to manage political interests. Maybe they should have borrowed a lesson from our approach,” he said.