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The One Nigeria Agenda has condemned the double standards exhibited by the Labour Party and its supporters in the political discourse, following the backlash against Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu’s statement on the All Progressives Congress taking over the governorship in Abia State.

Kalu’s statement was met with fierce criticism and backlash, whereas Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the Labour Party’s governorship candidate in Lagos State, boasted about his party’s plans to take over power in Lagos in 2027 without repercussions.

The One Nigeria Agenda, in a statement by Rev. Martins Ochonu, described this double standard as “alarming” and “hypocritical,” stating that it undermines the principles of fair play and democratic competition.

The group urged the Labour Party to acknowledge the right of all political parties to contest and win elections without fear of intimidation or harassment. They also called on social media warriors to apologize to Deputy Speaker Kalu for their unwarranted attacks.

“We observed with concern the double standards exhibited by the Labour Party and its supporters in the political discourse,” Ochonu said. “Recently, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the 2023 governorship candidate of the party, boasted about his party’s plans to take over power in Lagos in 2027.

“This statement was met with excitement and enthusiasm from his supporters. However, when Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu made a similar statement about the All Progressives Congress taking over the governorship in Abia State, he was met with fierce criticism and backlash. This double standard is alarming and undermines the principles of fair play and democratic competition.

“We find it hypocritical that the Labour Party can confidently declare its intentions to take over Lagos State without repercussions, while the Deputy Speaker is vilified for expressing similar ambitions in Abia State. This selective outrage is a threat to the democratic process and the unity of our nation.”

The One Nigeria Agenda reiterated its commitment to promoting unity, fairness, and democratic values in the political discourse, advocating for a level playing field where all parties can freely express their ambitions and compete for votes.

The group urged Nigerians to reject double standards and embrace fair play and democratic competition, working together to build a nation where every voice is heard and every ambition is respected.

“We believe that all political parties have the right to contest and win elections, without fear of intimidation or harassment. We urge the Labour Party to acknowledge this fundamental principle and respect the ambitions of other parties,” the statement added. 

“We also call on social media warriors to apologize to Deputy Speaker Kalu for their unwarranted attacks and recognize his genuine commitment to the development of Abia State and Nigeria. It is time to put an end to the politics of bitterness and division.

“We urge all Nigerians to reject double standards and embrace the spirit of fair play and democratic competition. Let us work together to build a nation where every voice is heard and every ambition is respected.”