The leadership of the Labour Party has taken note of the defection of its 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, alongside some of his supporters, to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). We also observed the lacklustre address delivered by Mr. Obi at the event and are left wondering what new ideas he intends to offer Nigerians.
For the Labour Party, this development did not come as a surprise. As far back as September 2024, the party had effectively parted ways with Mr. Obi and some of his unquestioning supporters within the National Assembly. We have patiently awaited this moment. The party is finally liberated by this defection, which we consider a blessing rather than a loss.
It is on record that the leadership of the Labour Party repeatedly advised Mr. Obi and his disgruntled followers to leave the party if they found it impossible to work with its duly constituted leadership. Several lawmakers were suspended for anti-party activities, and similar disciplinary action was being contemplated against the former presidential candidate before the intervention of well-meaning Nigerians.
The crisis that engulfed the Labour Party was instigated primarily by Mr. Peter Obi and the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, who sponsored an insurrection against the leadership of Barrister Julius Abure. We had expected Governor Otti to follow his political leader out of the party. It is therefore surprising that, despite his suspension, he continues to loiter around the party. It is still not too late for him to openly align with his political benefactor.
The party also notes that the political gathering held in Enugu was largely boycotted by prominent political stakeholders and traditional institutions across the South-East. Those in attendance were largely political spent forces who lack the capacity to win elections even at the ward level. This is a clear indication that the much-touted Obi presidency—or vice-presidency—project is already a failed venture. Mr. Obi has clearly lost the appeal that endeared him to many Nigerians prior to the 2023 elections.
Nigerians must also reflect on the political consequences of the 2023 elections for the South-East. The region suffered significant setbacks under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu largely because it placed its trust in Mr. Obi. While some states boast as many as five ministers, the entire South-East received only five ministerial slots. Marginalisation has persisted in both political representation and infrastructure allocation, and the region must carefully consider whether to repeat such political miscalculations.
Finally, we urge Nigerians to watch closely as the Labour Party charts a new course. In 2023, we presented a candidate we genuinely believed was suitable for the nation, but time has since proven that decision to be a grave political error. We sincerely apologise to Nigerians and seek their forgiveness. The party is already working towards presenting credible leadership capable of returning Nigeria to the path of progress and national renewal.
— Obiora Ifoh
National Publicity Secretary, Labour Party
31 December 2025
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