The Labour Party has described the reported defection of its 2023 presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, and some of his supporters to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a “liberation,” saying the development marks a clean break from individuals it accused of undermining the party.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Obiora Ifoh, the party said it had long parted ways with Obi and some of his allies, including members of the National Assembly, over what it described as persistent anti-party activities.
The party leadership questioned Obi’s political direction, citing what it called a lacklustre outing at the Enugu event where the defection was announced. According to the statement, the gathering failed to attract key political stakeholders and traditional institutions in the state, a development the party said reflected dwindling support.
Labour Party also blamed Obi and Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, for the internal crises that rocked the party after the 2023 general elections. It said disciplinary measures, including the suspension of some lawmakers, had earlier been taken against individuals accused of working against the party’s interests.
“The exit of those who consistently worked at cross purposes with the party should be seen as a liberation rather than a loss,” the statement said, adding that the party was now better positioned to rebuild and refocus.
In a rare admission, the Labour Party acknowledged that it fielded an unsuitable candidate in the 2023 presidential election. The party apologised to Nigerians for the outcome of that decision and pledged to conduct more rigorous internal processes ahead of future elections.
It assured supporters that lessons had been learnt from recent events and vowed to present a stronger and more credible candidate capable of delivering on the party’s ideals in subsequent polls.
