Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s (LP) presidential candidate, is free to leave the party, according to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) leadership. However, the NLC is committed to removing Julius Abure from his position as national chairman of the LP.
NLC spokesman Benson Upah stressed in a statement to Punch that the union rejects Abure’s leadership even in the face of the “illegitimate” national convention that reinstalled him.
Our position on this matter is unambiguous and steadfast. We do not recognize abuse. We don’t think he should be removed; he just doesn’t have any legitimacy,” Upah said.
This is in response to a demand for the resignation of the party’s embattled national chairman and NLC President, Joe Ajaero, made by a group of retired workers represented by the Lagos Assembly of Labour Veterans and Trade Unionists, over an ongoing leadership struggle.
Peter Obi, the party’s presidential candidate, also seems to be at odds with the LP leadership over how the convention was run in Nnewi, Anambra State. Tensions are still apparent in spite of Obi’s request for more extensive consultation.
The former governor of Anambra vented his anger last Friday night during an X (formerly Twitter) Space session hosted by Parallel Facts.
Explaining to his audience why he did not attend the national convention, where Julius Abure was re-elected as the party’s national chairman, Obi said that he did not attend because the party leadership had not taken into consideration his request for more extensive consultation with pertinent stakeholders before the event.
Even though the LP presidential candidate secured the 2027 ticket at the convention, his comment has sparked debate and increased rumors that he may be looking into other platforms.
Upah countered that Obi had the right to choose his own path and that the issue of whether he should stay in the party or leave shouldn’t be up for discussion.
He stated that the NLC cannot obstruct the presidential candidate if he opts to switch to another political platform. Describing him as an asset, the spokesman emphasized that the congress wouldn’t impede his departure.
“The freedom to choose is Mr. Obi’s prerogative. If he decides to depart from the party, that’s his decision, and we won’t pass judgment on it. However, should he choose to stay, Peter Obi remains a valuable asset. I conclude my remarks on that note,” he added.
