By Pst Dr Mrs Dayo Ekong, State Chairman, Labour Party, Lagos State
As the State Chairman of the Labour Party in Lagos State, I have watched with growing concern the internal dynamics and external perceptions plaguing our great party.
The Labour Party, once a beacon of hope for the masses, is now grappling with issues that threaten its unity and relevance in Nigeria’s political landscape. Chief among these is the meddlesome role and evidently waning influence of our former presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi. While I respect his contributions and the passion he ignited in 2023, it is time for a candid conversation.
Mr. Obi must recognize the grace that propelled him in the last election cycle—a divine and collective favor from the party and the electorate—and reflect on how his recent actions are eroding that very foundation.
Let us rewind to 2023. Peter Obi enjoyed an extraordinary wave of support, not just from the Labour Party’s structures but from a broad coalition of Nigerians yearning for change. Despite the controversies surrounding the election results, where many believe he was robbed of victory, his outing was undeniably successful. He garnered millions of votes, particularly from the youth and disillusioned voters, because the party rallied behind him, and the electorate saw him as a fresh alternative to the status quo.This grace was a combination of factors: the party’s platform, grassroots mobilization, and a genuine public desire for integrity in leadership. It was this synergy that allowed him to shine brightly, even in defeat.
However, fast-forward to today, and the narrative has shifted. Peter Obi’s influence in the Nigerian polity appears to be waning, as Nigerians grow increasingly tired and wary of what some perceive as inconsistent antics and political maneuvering. His interventions, once seen as principled, now risk being viewed as disruptive and self-serving, alienating allies and diminishing his appeal. This is not mere speculation; it is evident in recent electoral outcomes where his endorsements have failed to deliver victories, signaling a loss of the magnetic pull he once commanded.
Take the 2024 Edo State governorship election as a prime example. Amid internal party tensions, Peter Obi chose to campaign vigorously for Olumide Akpata, pitching his tent against the preferences of the National Working Committee led by Julius Abure, who wanted to adhere to the political leanings of zoning which the Edo electorate tilted towards, but because of his issues with Abure he stood firm behind Akpata.
While Akpata was the official Labour Party candidate, Obi’s involvement highlighted factional rifts, with his support seemingly at odds with key party figures.
The result? Akpata lost woefully to the APC’s Monday Okpebholo, securing only a fraction of the votes despite Obi’s rallies and endorsements in Benin and beyond.This defeat in Edo, a state where Labour had shown promise, underscores how Obi’s influence no longer guarantees electoral success.
Similarly, in the 2023 Imo State gubernatorial election, Obi threw his weight behind Senator Athan Achonu, the Labour Party’s candidate. Achonu, backed by Obi’s visibility and campaign efforts, was positioned as a strong contender against the incumbent, Hope Uzodimma. Yet, the outcome was another resounding loss, with Achonu failing to unseat the APC governor in a landslide defeat. These back-to-back failures in Imo and Edo raise questions about the effectiveness of Obi’s political strategy and whether his touch still carries the transformative power it did in 2023.
The most telling blow came recently in the Anambra State by-elections, particularly in Onitsha—Peter Obi’s own backyard and supposed stronghold. Here, we witnessed his sudden switch of allegiance, embodying the “Labour today, ADC tomorrow” shenanigans that have confused supporters and diluted party loyalty.
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