Bayelsa LP slams Ajoku, denies defection claims

Nathan Tamarapreye, Bayelsa

The leadership of the Labour Party in Bayelsa State has dismissed claims that Miss Helen Ajoku defected to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) with a large number of women, describing the development as inconsequential.

In a statement issued on Thursday by the National Deputy Women Leader, Mrs Enu Timipre, the party said Ajoku’s assertions that she left with “thousands of women” were false and misleading.

The statement, titled “Re: Defection Claims by Miss Helen Ajoku”, noted that Ajoku, a former member who once held a leadership position within the party, had chosen to leave and subsequently criticise the platform that gave her political visibility.

“Miss Ajoku has not only elected to leave the Labour Party but has also chosen to disparage the same platform that afforded her political visibility,” the statement read.

The party firmly rejected her claim of leading a mass defection of women, insisting that no such movement took place.

“We categorically state that this claim is false and misleading. Miss Ajoku did not leave with women from the Labour Party in Bayelsa State, as falsely reported,” it said.

The party added that her exit would not affect its strength or cohesion in the state.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Labour Party in Bayelsa State, under the leadership of Hon. Eneyi Zidougha and the guidance of the National Deputy Women Leader, remains intact, formidable and steadfast,” the statement continued.

It further affirmed that the party’s structure in the state remains solid and committed to its ideals, while pledging continued loyalty to the National Chairman, Mr Julius Abure, and the National Working Committee.