Labour Party Says Obi’s Exit ‘Liberates’ Party as Former Flagbearer Defects to ADC

The Julius Abure-led leadership of the Labour Party (LP) has described the defection of its 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a relief and a turning point for the party, declaring that it regrets presenting him as its flagbearer in the last general election.

The party’s position was made public in a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, just hours after Obi formally announced his defection at a political gathering in Enugu State. According to the Labour Party leadership, Obi’s departure merely confirmed a political separation that had already taken place months earlier amid a prolonged leadership crisis within the party.

Labour Party officials insisted that the exit marked the end of what they described as an unproductive and divisive relationship, while pledging to reposition the party ahead of future elections.

LP Leadership Declares ‘Political Separation’ Complete

The Labour Party leadership said Obi’s defection only formalised an internal rift that had existed since September 2024, when the party claimed it had already parted ways with him and some of his supporters in the National Assembly. Ifoh stated that the party had long anticipated the move and viewed it as overdue.

According to the statement, the Abure-led National Working Committee had repeatedly advised Obi and his loyalists to leave the party if they could not align with its leadership structure. The party also disclosed that several lawmakers perceived to be loyal to Obi had already been suspended for alleged anti-party activities.

The leadership further claimed that disciplinary action against Obi himself was being considered before the intervention of what it described as “well-meaning Nigerians,” suggesting that the former presidential candidate’s exit spared the party further internal conflict.

Accusations, South-East Politics, and 2023 Fallout

In a sweeping critique, the Labour Party accused Obi and Abia State Governor Alex Otti of playing central roles in the internal crisis that rocked the party, alleging attempts to unseat the current leadership. The party expressed surprise that Governor Otti, who it said had been suspended, remained within the party fold, urging him to follow Obi to the ADC if his loyalty lay elsewhere.

The Labour Party leadership also dismissed Obi’s defection rally in Enugu as poorly attended, claiming it was largely boycotted by prominent political and traditional stakeholders in the South-East. It argued that the turnout signaled a decline in Obi’s political influence and questioned the viability of any future presidential or vice-presidential ambition.

Beyond party politics, the statement blamed Obi’s 2023 presidential bid for what it described as the South-East’s marginal representation in President Bola Tinubu’s administration. The party argued that the zone received fewer ministerial appointments compared to others and claimed that continued trust in Obi could further weaken the region’s political bargaining power.

LP Appeals for Forgiveness, Obi Calls for Opposition Unity

In a rare admission, the Labour Party leadership apologised to Nigerians for fielding Obi as its presidential candidate in 2023, describing the decision as a “greatest political mistake.” The party appealed for another opportunity, promising to present a stronger and more suitable alternative capable of addressing Nigeria’s political and economic challenges.

Meanwhile, Peter Obi, speaking at the ADC event held at the Nike Lake Resort in Enugu, called on Nigerians and opposition forces to unite under a broad national coalition. He said the aim was to rescue the country from poverty, disunity, and democratic decline.

Obi also accused the current political leadership of state capture, economic mismanagement, and the erosion of democratic values, framing his defection as part of a wider effort to build a credible opposition platform ahead of future elections.