The crisis rocking the Labour Party of Nigeria has taken another disturbing dimension as Peter Obi and Abia Governor Alex Otti on Wednesday, proceeded with their National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting despite Julius Abure’s warning of severe sanctions.
Abure’s faction had threatened to take disciplinary action against Obi and Otti for holding the meeting, deeming it a breach of party regulations.
The face-off within the Labour Party stems from Abure’s leadership, with some members questioning his legitimacy.
Obi and Otti’s camp maintains that their meeting is legitimate, while Abure’s faction insists that it undermines the party’s hierarchy.
Meanwhile, Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the party in the last election, has made a powerful call for reform within the party.
While speaking during the emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, Obi stressed the need for fairness, justice, and transparency within the party.
He slammed the past practice of imposing unqualified candidates, saying, “We’re not going to have drivers and constables representing Labour Party in the National Assembly. We want competent, loyal, and capable individuals.”
Obi also acknowledged past mistakes, but believes the recent Supreme Court judgment offers a chance for the party to reset and reorganize.
Obi’s speech also highlighted Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges, warning that the country is on the brink of collapse due to bad governance and leadership failures.
He urged the Labour Party to offer a credible alternative, with a focus on building a party that Nigerians can trust.
The meeting marked a turning point for the Labour Party, with Obi calling for internal reconciliation and unity among members.
He encouraged stakeholders to remain focused on building a strong political platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.
However, the Labour Party’s internal conflicts may have far-reaching consequences for the party’s future and Nigeria’s political landscape.
The situation remains fluid, with both sides digging in for a potentially long and contentious battle.
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