A deepening rift within Nigeria’s Labour Party has intensified after a faction led by Julius Abure labeled 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi and Abia State Governor Alex Otti as “losers” in the party’s ongoing leadership crisis. The remarks, made by factional spokesperson Obiora Ifoh, came amid tensions following recent court rulings tied to by-elections and allegations of procedural disputes with Nigeria’s electoral body.
In a sharply worded statement on Saturday, Ifoh criticized interim party leader Nenadi Usman and her supporters for celebrating a Federal High Court decision dated August 15, 2025, which reportedly led the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to revoke recognition of Abure’s leadership. The Abure faction dismissed these actions as premature, insisting two cases central to the dispute had been dismissed a day earlier.
One dismissed case was filed by Usman’s ally, Chris Omofuma, a candidate in Edo State’s by-election, while the other was initiated by Abure’s camp. The faction accused Usman’s group of undermining the party’s stability by circulating a legal document they described as outdated, likening the move to “infantile” behavior. The statement questioned whether the internal divisions benefit political rivals, asking: “Who is the loser? Are Peter Obi and Dr. Alex Otti not actually the losers in all of these?”
Obi, a former presidential hopeful who galvanized youth support during the 2023 elections, and Otti, the Labour Party’s sole state governor, were portrayed as beneficiaries of the party’s platform during their prior political challenges. The faction emphasized the party’s role in revitalizing their careers, stating it offered hope when other parties “frustrated” them.
The leadership crisis highlights broader struggles within one of Nigeria’s rising opposition parties, which has faced internal strife since gaining prominence in the 2023 elections. The Labour Party’s ability to present a unified front ahead of future polls remains uncertain, with observers noting that public infighting risks alienating supporters.
Neither Obi nor Otti has publicly responded to the faction’s claims. However, the targeting of two high-profile figures underscores the high stakes of the dispute. Analysts suggest prolonged instability could weaken the party’s influence ahead of upcoming electoral contests, particularly as INEC’s stance on recognizing leadership remains a pivotal factor in candidate eligibility.
The Labour Party’s internal conflict reflects Nigeria’s often-fractious political landscape, where legal battles and factional rivalries frequently overshadow policy debates. With both sides exchanging accusations, the path to resolution remains unclear, leaving supporters and candidates in limbo amid escalating tensions.
