The Chairperson of the Labour Party (LP) in Lagos State, Mrs Dayo Ekong, has stated that the political influence of former LP presidential candidate Peter Obi has weakened in Nigeria.
In a post on her X account on Tuesday, Mrs. Ekong said it was time for Mr. Obi to “pause and ponder” on his ambition to contest for the presidency in 2027.
Ekong traced Obi’s decline in influence to his recent political actions, including his opposition to the Julius Abure-led faction of the LP and his endorsements of candidates outside the party.
“Peter Obi’s influence in the Nigerian polity appears to be waning, as Nigerians grow increasingly tired and wary of what some perceive as inconsistent antics and political manoeuvring. His interventions, once seen as principled, now risk being viewed as disruptive and self-serving, alienating allies and diminishing his appeal.”
She cited recent electoral outcomes as evidence of this decline. According to her, Obi’s endorsements failed to deliver victories in Edo, Imo, and Anambra States.
The Lagos LP Chairperson particularly highlighted the Onitsha North 1 State Constituency by-election in Anambra, describing it as a “telling blow.”
Ekong argued that such outcomes indicate a broader trend of diminishing political influence. She also criticized Mr. Obi for what she described as prioritizing personal alliances over party cohesion.
She advised Obi to reflect on the factors behind his declining influence, saying “A wise politician like Peter Obi, known for his prudence and vision, has suddenly lost so much appeal – even in his backyard. Peter Obi has surrounded himself with those who he feels have his best interest at heart, but time will surely tell. The electorate is watching all these and slowly making up their minds against 2027″.
