The Edo State chapter of the Labour Party has blamed its 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, for the party’s ongoing crisis, rather than National Chairman Julius Abure. State Chairman Elizabeth Ativie explained that the turmoil originated from Obi’s failure to resolve post‑primary election disputes nationwide. She made these remarks during a press briefing in Benin City, responding to allegations by Precious Oruche that had targeted Abure. Oruche had accused Abure of frustrating Nigerians and claimed that the police had declared him wanted for alleged forgery. Ativie refuted these claims as false and part of a broader effort to destabilise the party.
The party’s national leadership had decided to zone the governorship ticket to the Edo Central senatorial district for the 2024 election, following a similar approach taken by the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party. However, Obi allegedly intervened, endorsing Olumide Akpata as the party’s candidate instead of adhering to the National Working Committee’s decision. Ativie highlighted that Obi’s actions, including convening an unauthorised stakeholders’ meeting in Umuahia, have led to factionalisation within the party. She noted that, despite the party’s support for Obi during his presidential campaign, he has not shown appreciation or commitment to the party’s vision.
The Edo State chapter’s accusations against Obi underscore the deepening divisions within the Labour Party. As the party navigates this crisis, its ability to present a unified front and resolve internal conflicts will be crucial to its future prospects. These developments also illustrate the challenges Nigerian political parties face, where internal power struggles and personal ambitions often eclipse collective goals and ideology.
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