The Labour Party has issued a strongly worded statement reacting to the defection of its 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the move as a long anticipated development that has finally brought relief to the party’s leadership. In the statement, the party went further to apologise to Nigerians for what it described as its “greatest political mistake” in fielding an unfitting presidential candidate during the 2023 general election.
In a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. Obiora Ifoh, and dated December 31, 2025, the Labour Party leadership said it had taken note of Mr. Obi’s defection alongside a number of his supporters, stressing that the party was neither surprised nor disappointed by the decision. According to the party, the exit of its former presidential standard bearer marked the end of a prolonged internal crisis and symbolised the liberation of the party from forces it accused of undermining its leadership and stability.
The party stated that it had also observed what it described as a lacklustre speech delivered by Mr. Obi at the defection event, questioning whether he had anything new to offer Nigerians beyond what he had already presented in the past. Labour Party leaders said the development merely confirmed their long held position that Mr. Obi’s political relevance and appeal had significantly diminished since the 2023 elections.
According to the statement, the Labour Party had effectively parted ways with Mr. Obi and some of his supporters in the National Assembly as far back as September 2024. The leadership said it had patiently awaited the eventual exit of the former candidate, noting that the party had repeatedly urged him and his followers to leave if they found it difficult to work within the party’s established leadership structure.
“It is a blessing in disguise,” the party said, adding that it would go on record as having consistently asked Mr. Obi and his associates to vacate the party if they were unwilling to abide by internal discipline and collective decision making. The statement recalled that several lawmakers loyal to Mr. Obi had been suspended for alleged anti party activities, and that similar sanctions were being contemplated against the former presidential candidate before the intervention of what it described as well meaning Nigerians.
The Labour Party leadership attributed the internal crisis that rocked the party to the actions of Mr. Obi and the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti. According to the statement, both men allegedly sponsored and encouraged what it described as an insurrection against the Julius Abure led national leadership of the party. The party expressed surprise that Governor Otti had not followed Mr. Obi out of the party, despite having been suspended, and urged him to align openly with his political leader.
The statement further criticised the defection event held in Enugu, describing it as a political charade that was largely boycotted by key political figures and traditional institutions across the South East. The party claimed that those present at the event were mostly political actors with little or no grassroots support, asserting that many of them would struggle to win elections even at ward level if polls were held today.
According to the Labour Party, the low turnout and lack of institutional backing at the event served as a clear warning signal that any renewed presidential or vice presidential ambition associated with Mr. Obi was already a failed project. The party argued that the former candidate had lost the political charm and goodwill that endeared him to many Nigerians prior to the 2023 elections.
The party also reflected on the broader political consequences of the 2023 elections for the South East, claiming that the region suffered significant political setbacks as a result of its overwhelming support for Mr. Obi. The statement alleged that the zone was marginalised in the allocation of political appointments under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that while some states in other regions reportedly received as many as five ministerial appointments, the entire South East was allotted only five ministerial slots collectively.
Beyond ministerial appointments, the Labour Party claimed that the South East continued to face marginalisation in infrastructure allocation and federal presence, raising concerns about whether the region would repeat what it described as a political miscalculation in future elections. The party warned that the consequences of misplaced political trust could be far reaching and urged voters to reflect carefully on past experiences.
In a rare admission, the Labour Party acknowledged that it had failed Nigerians in 2023 by presenting a presidential candidate it believed was suitable at the time but later found to be inadequate. The leadership openly apologised to Nigerians for what it termed a grave political error, stating that events since the election had clearly demonstrated that the party’s judgment had been flawed.
“We plead for forgiveness from Nigerians,” the statement read, adding that the party had learned from the experience and was already working behind the scenes to identify and prepare a more credible and competent political prospect capable of restoring Nigeria to what it described as its glorious days.
The party urged Nigerians to keep faith with the Labour Party, assuring the public that internal reforms were underway to reposition it as a more disciplined, principled, and nationally relevant political platform. According to the leadership, the departure of Mr. Obi and his supporters provides an opportunity for the party to rebuild, refocus, and reconnect with its founding ideals.
The statement concluded by reaffirming the party’s commitment to internal democracy, party supremacy, and national unity, stressing that no individual, regardless of stature or popularity, would be allowed to undermine the collective interest of the party again.
The statement was signed by Mr. Obiora Ifoh, National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, and dated December 31, 2025.
