Labour Party to Establish Democratic Institute for Political Training

The National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), Julius Abure, has announced that the party will set up a Labour Party Democratic Institute aimed at training members, party agents, and aspiring politicians on democratic practices and political education.

Abure made this known on Monday while receiving a delegation from the International Republican Institute (IRI), led by its Resident Programme Director, Sentell Barnes, at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja.

He explained that the proposed institute would serve as a centre for political training and civic engagement, preparing young politicians and members of the party to play active roles in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.

According to him, the move aligns with LP’s broader agenda of promoting inclusivity and dismantling barriers to political participation.

He recalled that ahead of the 2023 elections, the party introduced measures such as free or subsidised nomination forms for women, youths, and less-privileged aspirants, which he said had tangible results.

“The Labour Party is committed to dismantling barriers to political participation and promoting social equity,” Abure said.

“The proposed Democratic Institute will institutionalise this commitment through structured training and mentorship.”

He pointed to the election of Senator Ireti Kingibe in the Federal Capital Territory and the emergence of female state party chairpersons in Edo, Rivers, and Lagos as evidence of the impact of LP’s inclusive policies.

In his remarks, Barnes praised the Labour Party’s initiatives, stressing that the IRI will continue to provide support through policy development workshops and advocacy for gender balance and diversity in leadership.