The Labour Party (LP) has reacted to the defection of its 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and several of his supporters to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the move as a liberation for the party.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, by Obiora Ifoh, National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, the party criticized Obi’s speech at the defection event in Enugu, questioning the new agenda he intends to present to Nigerians.
The LP said it had parted ways with Obi and some of his supporters in the National Assembly as far back as September 2024 and had patiently awaited the formal exit. “The party is finally liberated by this defection, and as party leaders, we count it as a blessing,” the statement read.
The party also alleged that the crisis within the LP was caused by Peter Obi and Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti, who reportedly sponsored insurrection against the party leadership. The party expressed surprise that Governor Otti has not followed Obi out of the LP despite his suspension.
Commenting on Obi’s recent event in Enugu, the party described it as largely boycotted by prominent political and traditional institutions in the South East, calling the gathering a “charade” and questioning Obi’s political relevance ahead of the 2027 elections.
The statement also criticized Obi’s performance in advancing the South East’s interests during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government, citing limited ministerial appointments and marginalization in infrastructure allocation.
Finally, the Labour Party asked Nigerians for forgiveness for fielding what it described as an “unfitting” presidential candidate in 2023 and said it is now working to present the “best prospect” for the nation in future elections.
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