Labour Party leadership accuses Peter Obi of fueling internal crisis, seeks Nigerians’ forgiveness over 2023 Candidacy

The Labour Party (LP) has described the defection of its 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a moment of relief and political clarity, declaring that the party has now been “liberated” from a prolonged internal crisis.

In a strongly worded statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, the party also issued an apology to Nigerians for presenting what it now admits was an unsuitable presidential candidate in the 2023 general election.

According to the Labour Party leadership, Obi’s formal defection merely confirms a separation that had already occurred behind the scenes.

The party claimed it had effectively parted ways with Obi and some of his loyalists in the National Assembly as far back as September 2024, following unresolved disagreements with the party’s national leadership.

LP leaders said they had repeatedly advised Obi and his supporters to leave the party if they could not align with its structure and leadership.

The statement accused Peter Obi and Abia State Governor Alex Otti of orchestrating internal unrest within the party, alleging they sponsored actions aimed at destabilising the leadership under Julius Abure.

The party further revealed that several lawmakers had been suspended for alleged anti-party activities and claimed similar disciplinary measures were being considered against Obi before external interventions stalled the process.

LP also expressed surprise that Governor Otti, despite being suspended, has not formally exited the party.

Reacting to Obi’s defection event in Enugu, the Labour Party dismissed the gathering as poorly attended, alleging that prominent political and traditional leaders in the South-East stayed away.

According to the party, the turnout reflects a decline in Obi’s political influence since the 2023 elections and signals difficulties for any future presidential or vice-presidential ambition.

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The Labour Party leadership further argued that the South-East suffered politically by backing Obi in the 2023 elections, citing what it described as poor representation in the current federal government.

The party noted that while some states reportedly have multiple ministers, the entire South-East region was allocated only five ministerial positions, describing this as continued marginalisation in governance and infrastructure development.

In a rare admission, the Labour Party apologised to Nigerians for its 2023 presidential choice.

“We gave Nigerians a candidate we thought was good for the nation, but time has shown that we made a grave political mistake,” the statement said.

The party pledged to rebuild, stating it is already working to identify a new leadership direction and political figure capable of restoring national confidence and addressing Nigeria’s challenges.