The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has made it clear that Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the upcoming 2023 election, is free to leave the party if he so desires. This statement was issued by NLC spokesman Benson Upah on Sunday.

Upah reiterated the NLC’s position on Julius Abure’s leadership, emphasizing that the union does not recognize his leadership despite the ‘illegal’ national convention that reinstated Abure as the national chairman of the Labour Party. “Our stance on this matter remains unchanged. Abure is not recognized by us. As far as we are concerned, he does not hold any position,” Upah stated.

In a related development, the Lagos Assembly of Labour Veterans and Trade Unionists, a group of retired workers, has called for the resignation of Julius Abure and NLC President Joe Ajaero due to their ongoing leadership dispute.

Peter Obi has been at odds with the Labour Party’s leadership over the handling of the convention in Nnewi, Anambra State. Obi voiced his frustrations during a session on X, revealing that he chose not to attend the national convention due to the party leadership’s failure to engage in broader consultations with stakeholders beforehand.

Speculations have arisen that Obi may be contemplating a switch to another political platform, despite being assured the 2027 ticket at the convention. However, Upah clarified that the decision of whether Obi should stay or leave the party rests with him, affirming that he has the freedom to determine his political path.

Describing the former Anambra governor as a valuable asset, Upah stated that the NLC would not stand in Obi’s way if he decided to depart from the party. “Mr. Obi has the right to choose. If he opts to leave the party, that is his prerogative. We will not pass judgment on him for that. However, if he chooses to remain, Peter Obi is an asset to us any day. That is my final word on the matter,” Upah concluded.