LP Crisis Worsens As Peter Obi, Obidients Dump Abure As Party Chairman, Favourite Replacement Revealed

The crisis within the Labour Party, LP, escalated significantly last week, as members of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, staged protests at the party’s national headquarters and several state offices.

Amidst this turmoil, indications suggest that the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his supporters, known as Obidients, have distanced themselves from the National Chairman, Julius Abure, leaving him isolated amidst the internal strife that has plagued the party since the conclusion of the 2023 general elections.

Following numerous legal battles with the factional chairman, Lamidi Apapa, Abure has faced allegations of financial misconduct and other contentious issues.

There are emerging speculations that Comrade Isaac Balami, a former Deputy National Campaign Manager for the Peter Obi/Dati Presidential Campaign from the Northern region, may step in to replace Abure as the party’s National Chairman.

When reached for comment, Balami revealed, “I am under pressure to run for the chairmanship of the party,” acknowledging the support from the party’s youth population. However, he expressed hesitancy due to existing obstacles hindering his declaration, including uncertainties surrounding the scheduled convention.

“We can’t joke with their position,” Balami affirmed, highlighting the crucial role played by the youths in the party’s recent political advancements.

Dr. Yunusa Salisu Tanko, Chief Spokesperson for the Labour Party Presidential Campaign Council for the 2023 election, addressed the controversy surrounding the convention, emphasizing Abure’s failure to involve the party’s stakeholders in the planning process.

Tanko stressed the importance of an open convention, asserting, “We don’t want a closed convention like the Chairman is trying to have.” He echoed sentiments shared by the Nigeria Labour Congress, advocating for a convention that embraces inclusivity and transparency.

Regarding rumors circulating about Peter Obi’s purported departure from the Labour Party ahead of the 2027 presidential elections, Tanko dismissed them as false, asserting, “It is not true.”