As the Labour Party Chieftain Marks His Birthday, Coalition Hails His Decision to Step Down from the AMAC/Bwari Race and Calls for Greater Responsibility Ahead of 2027

By Chioma Vivian James

As Hon. Obol Omini, Labour Party chieftain, proud son of Ugep in Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State, marks his birthday on October 1, 2026, his celebration has assumed a deeper political significance, with a civil society coalition highlighting what it describes as his decision to place peace and consensus above personal political ambition.

The Coalition of Civil Society Groups for Peace, Security, Good Governance, Equity and Justice, led by its National Coordinator, Comrade James Okoronkwo, described Omini as a consensus builder whose decision to step down from the race for the Labour Party’s AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections demonstrates what it considers political sacrifice and commitment to party unity.

According to the Coalition, Omini’s decision is significant because political contests are often accompanied by intense competition for party tickets. It said that rather than allowing personal ambition to become a source of division, the Labour Party chieftain chose to step aside in the interest of peace and consensus.

Okoronkwo said the decision deserves recognition, particularly as Omini marks another year of his life.

A Birthday Defined by Sacrifice

For the Coalition, Omini’s birthday is not merely an occasion to celebrate his personal milestone but also an opportunity to highlight the political principle it says he demonstrated by relinquishing his aspiration for the party ticket.

The group described the decision as a demonstration that leadership is not always about securing a position, but can also involve making personal sacrifices when the larger interest requires compromise.

“Hon. Obol Omini has not lost. He has won honour. He stepped down from a ticket but stepped up in leadership,” the Coalition said.

It maintained that such actions can contribute to political stability and create room for dialogue among competing interests within a political organisation.

From Ugep to the FCT Political Landscape

A native of Ugep in Yakurr LGA of Cross River State, Omini has become politically associated with the Federal Capital Territory, where the Coalition said he has built relationships and grassroots structures across different communities.

The group described him as a bridge between the South-South and North-Central regions, citing his political activities across communities in the FCT.

From Bwari and Kubwa to Dutse, Lugbe, Mpape and Jabi, the Coalition said Omini has remained active at the grassroots, mobilising support and building relationships without previously holding elective office.

The Coalition also commended his continued involvement with the Labour Party, describing him as a loyal party member who remained committed despite the pressures associated with political contests.

A Call for Greater Responsibility

While celebrating Omini’s birthday, the Coalition called on the leadership of the Labour Party to recognise what it described as his sacrifice by giving him greater responsibility within the party as preparations for the 2027 elections continue.

Okoronkwo argued that individuals who contribute to peace-building and consensus should remain part of the political conversation.

“Those who build peace should not be forgotten,” the Coalition stated, urging the Labour Party leadership to engage Omini meaningfully in the party’s future activities.

A Different Dimension of Political Leadership

For the Coalition, Omini’s decision to step down from the contest should not be interpreted simply as the loss of a political ticket.

Instead, the group believes the decision provides an example of how political actors can place collective interests above personal aspirations.

That, according to the Coalition, is the quality it seeks to celebrate as Omini marks his birthday.

In its tribute, the group congratulated the Labour Party chieftain and wished him long life, good health and greater opportunities to serve his community, party and society.

As Hon. Obol Omini adds another year, his supporters say his political journey continues to demonstrate that leadership can be measured not only by the positions one seeks or occupies, but also by the sacrifices one is willing to make for peace and unity.

Signed:
Comrade James Okoronkwo
National Coordinator
Coalition of Civil Society Groups for Peace, Security, Good Governance, Equity and Justice
Abuja