The Julius Abure-led faction of Nigeria's Labour Party (LP) has openly condemned Peter Obi, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, labeling him an "Uber politician" as tensions escalate ahead of the August 16, 2025, by-elections. Abure’s faction criticized Obi for directing his supporters to back African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidates instead of Labour Party nominees, deepening an internal party crisis.
In a strongly worded statement, Abure accused Obi of political subterfuge and a lack of principled leadership, highlighting Obi’s history of aligning with multiple parties in his bid for power. The faction insists Obi’s move to support ADC candidates undermines the party and its candidates, who, according to them, are legitimately contesting the by-elections despite disputes that have marred the party.
The rift stems from ongoing leadership battles within the Labour Party, with Abure’s camp recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the official leadership, while Obi continues to command significant support among grassroots members. Abure accused Obi of exacerbating the party’s woes by inciting division and questioned his commitment to Labour Party ideals.
Obi’s decision to urge loyalty towards ADC candidates was framed as a strategic response to the party’s internal chaos and INEC’s exclusion of its candidates, aiming to maintain influence in the by-elections through alliance-building.
As the by-elections approach, the Labour Party’s internal discord raises critical questions about its unity and political future. Abure’s faction is rallying members to reject Obi’s directive and vote for official Labour Party candidates, positioning the coming polls as a critical test of control and coherence within the party.
This sharp public dispute highlights the broader challenges facing Nigerian political parties, where factionalism and leadership struggles often undermine electoral prospects and party stability. The Labour Party’s fate in the upcoming by-elections may well determine its ability to emerge as a credible national force or fall further into internal disarray.
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