Peter Obi’s key ally, Obaze, quits labour party over leadership crisis

DDM News

A prominent ally of Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, has officially withdrawn his membership from the party.

Mr Oseloka Obaze, a former Secretary to the Anambra State Government and former United Nations official, made his resignation public through a formal letter.

The letter, addressed to the chairman of his Ochuche Ward 406 in Ogbaru Local Government Area, Anambra State, was dated Sunday, May 4, 2025.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that Obaze, who was deeply involved in Peter Obi’s 2023 presidential campaign as a top adviser and strategist, expressed deep dissatisfaction with the Labour Party’s conduct in the April 5, 2025, Anambra State governorship primary.

He described the entire process as lacking transparency, riddled with irregularities, and falling short of democratic standards.

According to him, the conduct of the primary election violated the Labour Party’s constitution and its stated core values.

In his words, “The processes, conduct and outcome of the Labour Party governorship primaries held on April 5, 2025, in Awka, were fraught with outright irregularities, bordering on fraud and criminality.”

Obaze further noted that the party’s leadership at the national level had failed to resolve the ongoing rift between two factions one loyal to Julius Abure and the other to Nenadi Usman.

He said the failure to reconcile both sides deepened the crisis within the party and made it difficult for loyal members to remain committed.

Obaze added that the internal conflicts, along with the poor handling of the primary election, were clear signs that the party had lost direction.

While he did not reveal whether he would join another political platform, Obaze made it clear that he no longer associates with the Labour Party.

His resignation comes nearly three years after he left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in May 2022.

That move was made just a week before Peter Obi also exited the PDP to join the Labour Party and declare his presidential ambition.

Obaze subsequently became one of the key figures behind the Obidient Movement.

The movement emerged as a nationwide political force largely driven by young Nigerians and civil society actors demanding reform, good governance, and electoral accountability.

As a seasoned diplomat and political thinker, Obaze was instrumental in shaping the narrative and structure of Obi’s 2023 campaign.

His unexpected resignation is expected to have serious implications for the Labour Party, particularly in Anambra State, where he maintained significant grassroots influence.

Political observers say his departure may deepen existing divisions in the party and raise further concerns about internal democracy and transparency.

Peter Obi has yet to make a public statement regarding Obaze’s decision to leave the Labour Party.

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