Tensions between the Labour Party (LP) leadership and its 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, have deepened amid renewed accusations over internal party divisions and the road to the 2027 general elections.
On Tuesday, the party’s National Secretary, Umar Farouk, accused Obi of engaging in a campaign of “media blackmail” against the LP National Chairman, Julius Abure, and other top officials.
The accusations followed Obi’s recent appearance on Arise Television, where he claimed that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) had infiltrated the Labour Party to sow discord.
Farouk dismissed Obi’s claims as baseless, challenging him to provide concrete evidence. “Our attention was called to an interview where Obi alleged APC infiltration in LP.
But when asked for proof, he offered nothing tangible,” he said.
Farouk also blamed the party’s internal crisis on Obi and Governor Alex Otti of Abia State—who, he reiterated, remains suspended from the party for alleged anti-party activities.
“Nobody is infallible. When good leaders fail, they should take responsibility.
Obi failed in providing effective leadership and should own up rather than shifting blame,” he stated.
Despite his criticism, Farouk acknowledged that Obi’s reference to Abure as national chairman during his interview was, in effect, an admission of the party’s legitimate leadership.
“As far as we are concerned, the matter is settled. Julius Abure remains the national chairman,” he said.
Farouk urged Obi and other disaffected members to accept the current leadership and focus on party unity.
Meanwhile, Peter Obi continues to advocate for political reform ahead of the next election cycle. Speaking at the launch of a new book titled Obi:
The Political Change Agent in Abuja, the former Anambra State governor called for the emergence of credible, compassionate leaders in 2027.
Obi likened Nigeria’s current situation to the sinking Titanic, warning that the 2027 elections must serve as a point of national rescue.
“We must get the right people into the National Assembly—people who will bring peace and progress. That’s what we failed to do last time,” he said.
He criticised politicians who treat public office as a means of personal enrichment.
“If your goal is to make money from politics, you are part of the problem,” Obi stated.
He called on Nigerians to be fully involved in the electoral process and vowed that the Labour Party would be better prepared to protect every vote.
“We will be everywhere this time. The votes will count,” he said.
Obi also condemned the rising insecurity across the country, describing the situation as akin to war.
“We are not officially at war, yet Nigerians are living in IDP camps in their own country.
Others are refugees in Chad and Cameroon. That is not normal,” he said.
He concluded by blaming the country’s deepening crises on a lack of compassion and accountability from those in power.