The Labour Party (LP), which experienced unprecedented political success between 2022 and 2023, is now grappling with significant internal strife that threatens to undermine its recent achievements.
The LP’s rise was notably marked by its performance in the 2023 presidential election, where Peter Obi, the party’s presidential candidate, secured third place and achieved a historic victory in Lagos, defeating Bola Tinubu, the now-President of Nigeria, in his stronghold. This success also saw the LP win six Senate and 34 House of Representatives seats, an unprecedented feat for the party.
However, the party’s internal conflicts have overshadowed its achievements. Discontent within the party has been exacerbated by leadership issues and factional disputes. Julius Abure, the LP Chairman, recently organized an elective National Convention that was met with skepticism from key stakeholders, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), which claims ownership of the party. Many view Abure’s convention as illegitimate, further deepening the divide within the LP.
Adding to the party’s woes, Kenneth Okonkwo, the spokesperson for the Obi-Datti Campaign, has resigned from the LP, criticizing both Peter Obi and the party’s current leadership. Okonkwo’s departure highlights a broader issue of leadership and unity within the party. In his resignation, he expressed doubts about Obi’s leadership and emphasized the need for a decisive leader to rebuild the LP with a solid grassroots base.
The internal conflict reached a new level when Abure accused Alex Otti, the LP’s only state governor from Abia, of overstepping his authority by organizing a meeting of the National Executive Committee. Otti, who believes Abure’s tenure has expired, has called for a “Stakeholders’ Meeting” on September 4, 2024, inviting key figures including Peter Obi, Datti Baba-Ahmed, and other major stakeholders.
The ongoing turmoil within the Labour Party raises concerns about its ability to capitalize on its previous gains and present a united front in future elections. As the party navigates these internal challenges, its future prospects and influence in Nigerian politics remain uncertain.
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