Labour Party begs Nigerians for forgiveness after Peter Obi’s defection to ADC

The Labour Party (LP) has apologised to Nigerians following the defection of its 2023 presidential flagbearer, Peter Obi, to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing his exit as a turning point that has freed the party from prolonged internal turmoil.

In a statement titled “Labour Party Finally Liberated by Peter Obi’s Defection”, the party said Obi’s departure marked the end of a chapter it now considers a costly political error. The statement was signed by LP National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh.

According to the party, its leadership formally acknowledged Obi’s defection to the ADC, which took place on Wednesday in Enugu, along with the speech he delivered at the event. LP, however, dismissed the address as uninspiring, questioning what fresh ideas Obi intends to offer Nigerians.

“The leadership of the Labour Party has taken note of the defection of its 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, alongside a few of his supporters, to the African Democratic Congress,” the statement said, adding that the party was unimpressed by his remarks at the event.

The party revealed that it had effectively severed ties with Obi as far back as September 2024 and had merely been waiting for his formal exit.

“For us, the question was why it took so long. Since September 2024, we had already parted ways with Peter Obi and some of his loyalists in the National Assembly. We have been patiently waiting for this day,” the statement noted.

LP further claimed that Obi’s exit had finally resolved the internal crisis that rocked the party, which it blamed on Obi and Abia State Governor, Alex Otti.

“The Labour Party is now liberated, and we see this development as a blessing. The crisis that plagued the party was orchestrated by Peter Obi and Governor Alex Otti,” it said.

The party accused both men of backing what it termed a rebellion against the Julius Abure-led national leadership, noting that several lawmakers had been suspended over alleged anti-party activities.

Reacting to the defection ceremony in Enugu, LP alleged that the event failed to attract key political leaders and respected traditional institutions from the South East.

“What was on display were political has-beens who cannot even win elections in their own wards if polls were held today,” the party claimed.

LP also argued that Obi’s political relevance has declined since the 2023 general election, insisting that his latest political ambition is bound to collapse.

“This is a clear indication that any Obi presidential or vice-presidential project is dead on arrival,” the statement said.

In a rare show of contrition, the Labour Party admitted it erred in presenting Obi as its candidate in the last election and appealed to Nigerians for forgiveness.

“We presented a candidate we believed was right for Nigeria in 2023, but events have shown that it was our greatest political miscalculation. We sincerely apologise to Nigerians and ask for their forgiveness,” the statement concluded.