“The right of choice is available to Mr. Obi. If he chooses to leave the party, that is his preference. We can’t sit in judgement over him on that. But if he chooses to remain, of course, Peter Obi is an asset any day. I rest my case on that.”
The Nigerian Labour Congress has declared that Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate for the 2023 presidential election, is not eternally bound to the party, notwithstanding his place of importance. The Labour Party, which is currently having an internal crisis, culminated in the statement. The union’s spokesperson, Benson Upah, urged him to defect to another political party if the ongoing crisis would hamper his political goals. He further stated that the union is determined to oust Julius Abure, the party’s national chairman.
Recall Abure re-elected as national chairman at a contentious convention in Nnewi, Anambra State, on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, despite opposition from the NLC. Our position on this matter is clear and has not changed. Abure remains unknown to us. It is not a question of removal. As far as we know, he does not exist,” Upah stated.
The former governor of Anambra State hinted at this during an X (previously Twitter) Space session two Fridays ago. While addressing his audience about his decision to skip the convention, Obi said that he felt the party’s leadership had disregarded his request for more extensive consultation with key stakeholders before the event. His remarks have fueled speculations that the presidential candidate may have begun seeking a new platform to run on in the 2027 race.
In response, Upah stated that the former governor should be free to decide his own fate and that there should be no discussion about Obi’s probable departure from the Labour Party. The official emphasised that the lawmaker would not face any obstacles from Congress if he decided to depart, despite his positive portrayal of him.
By Chidimma NWAFOR
