The leadership of the Labour Party (LP) has declared that the recent defection of its 2023 presidential flagbearer, Peter Obi, to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has finally set the party free. In a strong statement, the party framed the departure not as a loss, but as a necessary and liberating event.
A Long-Awaited Separation
In a press release issued on Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, the party revealed that it had effectively parted ways with Obi and several of his supporters in the National Assembly as far back as September 2024. The split was attributed to persistent internal disagreements that could not be resolved.
"For us in Labour Party, we wondered why it took them this long to make the move because we have since parted ways with Peter Obi and some of his blind supporters in the National Assembly," the statement read. It added, "We have patiently waited for this day. The party is finally liberated by this defection and as party leaders, we count it as a blessing."
Accusations of Insurrection and Disciplinary Actions
The Labour Party did not hold back in its criticism, accusing both Peter Obi and Abia State Governor Alex Otti of bankrolling what it termed an "insurrection against the Julius Abure leadership." As a consequence of this alleged anti-party activity, the party confirmed it had taken disciplinary measures, including suspensions, against several lawmakers.
Ifoh disclosed that the party had initially intended to take similar action against Obi himself but was persuaded otherwise by interventions from concerned Nigerians. The party also dismissed the defection ceremony held in Enugu, claiming it was snubbed by major political and traditional institutions in the South East region.
"All we saw were mere political spent forces who cannot win in their wards should there be an election today," the statement asserted. It went further to declare, "This is clearly a danger signal that the Obi presidency (or vice presidency) is already a failed project from inception."
Regret Over 2023 Candidacy and a Plea for Forgiveness
In a remarkable admission, the Labour Party leadership conceded that selecting Peter Obi as its presidential candidate in the 2023 election was a grave error. The party expressed regret for the decision, which it believed at the time was in the nation's best interest.
"Finally, we urge Nigerians to watch out for the Labour Party. We gave Nigerians a candidate we thought was good for the nation in 2023, but time has since proved that we made the greatest political mistake. We plead for forgiveness from Nigerians," the statement read.
The party also linked Obi's influence to the perceived marginalization of the South East in President Ahmed Tinubu's administration, noting that the entire zone received only five ministerial slots while some single states got up to five. It questioned whether the region would "repeat the same political harakiri again."
Looking ahead, the Labour Party stated it is now focused on rebuilding and identifying a new prospect capable of restoring Nigeria to its "glorious days," signaling a complete break from the Peter Obi political era.
