In the midst of a crisis within the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, the party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has reaffirmed his allegiance to the party. The turmoil arose following the establishment of a directorate and the appointment of leadership for the Obidient Movement, a faction within the party.

Earlier, Obi had distanced himself from the ‘Obidient Directorate,’ sparking speculation about his party affiliation. However, he took to his X (formerly Twitter) account to clarify his position, asserting his commitment to the Labour Party. He emphasized his desire to reconcile party members and collaborate with like-minded individuals and parties to build a stronger party and a better Nigeria.

Meanwhile, responding to the controversy, the LP’s National Working Committee renamed the contentious ‘Directorate of Obidient Affairs’ to the Directorate of Mobilisation and Integration. The inauguration of the revamped directorate is scheduled to take place at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja on Saturday, June 8.

The LP appointed a 10-member committee to oversee the affairs of the directorate, aiming to integrate millions of youths, particularly from the ‘Obidient family,’ into the broader party structure. Marcel Ngogbehei was named as the director, with Ajiu Elumelu serving as the deputy director (Diaspora).

However, Peter Obi expressed reservations about the LP’s actions regarding the ‘Obidient Movement,’ clarifying that it transcends any specific political party. He emphasized that while political parties may have youth mobilization directorates, the Obidient Movement is inclusive and extends beyond political, religious, and ethnic boundaries.