Abure Supporters Accuse Peter Obi of Fueling Labour Party Crisis
Some key figures within the Labour Party (LP) who are aligned with the party’s National Chairman, Julius Abure, have called for disciplinary action against Peter Obi, the LP’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, accusing him of contributing to the party’s ongoing internal turmoil.
The party loyalists warned that Obi’s continued involvement in destabilizing the party could lead to a major electoral defeat in the 2027 presidential election.
These concerns were voiced in separate interviews with Sunday PUNCH, following Abure’s recent statement expressing hope that the internal conflicts within the party would be resolved before the 2027 elections. Abure indicated that he was open to reconciliation with Obi, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, and other party members who were dissatisfied with the current leadership.
Abure’s remarks came shortly after the Court of Appeal issued a ruling affirming him as the legitimate National Chairman of the LP, effectively nullifying the National Caretaker Committee led by Nenadi Usman, which had been appointed by the faction associated with Obi and Otti. In response, the Usman-led group announced plans to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court, ensuring the party’s internal disputes would continue.
Dr. Blessing Elaigwu, a prominent party member and convener of the Alliance for All Labour Party Professionals and Stakeholders, criticized Obi’s leadership and the impact of the ongoing legal battles on the LP’s progress. Elaigwu accused Obi and Otti of hindering the party’s development, urging the party’s leadership to sever all ties with Obi if he chose to escalate the conflict by appealing the Court of Appeal’s decision.
Elaigwu recounted that in September of the previous year, Obi and Otti had convened an unauthorized meeting in Umuahia, attempting to remove the Abure-led executive and install their own appointees, including Senator Nenadi Usman and Senator Darlington Nwokocha. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) rejected their actions, leading to the legal disputes that followed.
Elaigwu further warned, “If Peter Obi wants to destroy the party and move on to another political platform, he should understand that he is only ruining his own future. Abure and his team have been loyal to him, offering him a platform after his exit from the PDP, and they have only worked to build the party.”
Another party member, Cornel Max-Nduaguibe, echoed these sentiments, urging Obi to focus on strengthening the party rather than contributing to its fragmentation. Max-Nduaguibe, also a member of the Obidient Movement, called on Obi to help unite the party and work toward a common goal, emphasizing the need for transparency, accountability, and inclusivity within the LP.
Max-Nduaguibe said, “We must prioritize unity, open communication, and respect for all party members. Let us set aside our differences and come together to build a stronger Labour Party that can make a meaningful impact in the 2027 elections.”
When approached for comment, Obi’s media aide, Umar Ibrahim, responded by stating that Obi was not interested in engaging in public disputes with Abure’s camp. “Peter Obi is not interested in participating in endless drama or name-calling. We will not respond to Julius Abure’s provocations,” Ibrahim stated.
