Former Labour Party chieftain and Delta State governorship aspirant, Benedict Etanabene, has defended his decision to join the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), describing it as the most stable and credible opposition party in Nigeria.
Etanabene said this after scaling the party’s screening exercise in Abuja. He said that the recent developments within the Labour Party, including the dissolution of state chapters after the party’s national convention, informed his decision to leave the party.
“You will recall that only recently the National Convention of the Labour Party was held, and motions were taken dissolving all the state chapters of the party. As it stands today, constitutionally, I cannot clearly say there is a Labour Party chapter in Delta State anymore,” he stated.
He also criticised moves by some elements within the Labour Party to support President Tinubu, saying it contradicts the role of an opposition party.
“I do not see the rationale behind an opposition party adopting the sitting president of the ruling party. Once that happens, the essence of opposition is no longer tenable,” he said.
According to him, the PDP remains Nigeria’s strongest opposition platform because of its experience and contributions to democratic growth and economic development during its years in power.
“The PDP is the most stable and oldest political party in Nigeria. During the PDP era, the country recorded tremendous successes in democratic growth and economic development. Security challenges were also not as severe as what we are experiencing today,” he stated.
Speaking on the chances of the PDP in Delta State, Etanabene dismissed claims of factionalisation within the party, citing the recent Supreme Court judgement as having clarified the leadership structure.
“I do not believe the party is factionalised. The Supreme Court has made the position clear regarding those responsible for taking the party forward, and I believe the current leadership is on the right track,” he said.
On his development plans for Delta State, Etanabene said he subscribes more to social democracy than capitalist democracy, arguing that Nigeria lacks the strong institutions needed for a purely capitalist system to thrive.
He stressed that the government must play an active role in economic development, job creation, and infrastructure delivery.
“I believe government has business in business. We cannot leave job creation entirely to the private sector,” he stated.
The governorship aspirant proposed a grassroots-driven development strategy that would empower councillors and local government chairmen with dedicated budgets for community projects.
Under his plan, councillors would oversee primary healthcare centres, maintenance of primary schools, rural electrification, potable water projects, and community security initiatives.
He explained that councillors could employ local youths for security surveillance and use ward allocations to execute small-scale infrastructure projects such as roads, street lighting, and water schemes.
Etanabene also proposed that every local government should employ at least 500 youths for public works and infrastructure maintenance.
In addition, he called for periodic grants from the state government to local governments to support small-scale industries and revive moribund businesses across the state.
“These funds should be used to support cottage industries and small businesses that can stimulate economic activities and create employment opportunities for the people,” he said.
