Peter Obi Not Defecting—Labour Party Declares His Movements Are Not Political Alliances

The Labour Party (LP) has dismissed speculations suggesting that its former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has joined a new coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The party emphasized that while Obi may be engaging in political discussions or public appearances with opposition figures, this does not translate into any formal alliance or defection.

Speaking during a media appearance monitored by iReporter Online, Interim National Secretary of the Labour Party, Darlington Nwokocha, made it clear that LP is neither part of any coalition aimed at challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections nor has it received any formal communication regarding such alliance involving Obi, Atiku Abubakar, Nasir El-Rufai, or other prominent figures.

Nwokocha stressed that the party remains unified and increasingly stronger internally, insisting that the Labour Party has the structure and momentum to stand independently. According to him, “Peter Obi is his own person. We hold him in high esteem because he was our presidential candidate in 2023, but that does not mean his movements indicate a party decision. Even if he’s seen meeting with other political figures, that doesn’t imply he has joined the ADC. He’s free to engage in dialogue and share ideas.”

Addressing the ongoing leadership dispute within the Labour Party, Nwokocha clarified that the tenure of Julius Abure as National Chairman had lapsed, and unforeseen political developments had led to the installation of an interim leadership. He remarked, “Once your tenure ends, that’s the end of it. And if unforeseen political circumstances arise, the party must move forward with interim leadership. We can’t operate in a vacuum.”

When questioned about the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) still listing Abure as chairman on its platform, Nwokocha dismissed it as merely symbolic. “Putting your picture somewhere doesn’t make you the owner of the place,” he remarked, noting that INEC had barred Abure from attending relevant meetings despite his efforts.

Furthermore, he addressed concerns about Abia State Governor Alex Otti’s involvement in the party’s latest National Executive Council (NEC) meeting. Nwokocha confirmed that Otti is a constitutionally recognized member of the NEC, explaining that following the dissolution of the National Working Committee (NWC), the NEC remains the next highest organ in the party’s structure. As stipulated by the party’s constitution, the NEC now comprises representatives from the European Union Coalition (EUC), the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and any serving governor elected on the party’s platform, including their deputies.

According to iReporter Online, the party’s interim leadership has resolved to continue engaging its stakeholders, affirming its constitutional processes while reiterating its independence amid rising speculation of realignment in Nigeria’s opposition blocs.