The Labour Party (LP) has welcomed the defection of its 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the move as a blessing that has finally liberated the party.
In a statement titled “Labour Party Finally Liberated by Peter Obi’s Defection”, National Publicity Secretary Obiora Ifoh critiqued Obi’s speech at the Enugu defection event and questioned what the former presidential candidate now intends to offer Nigerians.
The party also blamed Peter Obi and Abia State Governor Alex Otti for the internal crisis that has plagued LP, accusing them of orchestrating insurrection against the party’s leadership under Julius Abure.
Highlighting the lack of support for the Enugu event, LP noted that prominent political and traditional institutions in the South East largely boycotted the ceremony, raising concerns about the viability of Obi’s future political ambitions.
The statement read in part:
“The leadership of the Labour Party took note of the defection of its 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and a few of his supporters to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). We also observed the lackluster speech delivered by Mr. Obi and wondered what he now intends to sell to Nigerians.
“For us in Labour Party, this move has been a long time coming. Since September 2024, we have parted ways with Peter Obi and some of his loyal supporters in the National Assembly. We have patiently awaited this day. The party is finally liberated by this defection, and as party leaders, we count it as a blessing.
“The crisis within LP was caused by Peter Obi and Governor Alex Otti, who sponsored the insurrection against the Julius Abure leadership. We had expected Governor Otti to follow Obi out of the party. It is not too late for him to align with his political leader.
“The Enugu defection event was largely boycotted by prominent political and traditional institutions in the South East. What we saw were political figures who would struggle to win in their own wards if elections were held today. This signals that Obi’s presidential (or vice-presidential) project is already faltering.
“Finally, we urge Nigerians to watch the Labour Party closely. We presented a candidate we believed was right for the nation in 2023, but time has proven otherwise. We seek forgiveness from Nigerians and are now focused on identifying the best prospects to restore Nigeria to its former glory.”
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