Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has reiterated his commitment and continued loyalty to the party.
Obi said his recent statement on the ‘Obidient Movement’ in the Labour Party was misinterpreted. The former Anambra governor was responding to the Labour Party’s attempt to create a Directorate of Obidient Affairs in the party. Obi cautioned them to be mindful that the Obidient Movement was diverse and not restricted to any political party.
“There may be a youth mobilization directorate in political parties, but the Obidient Movement is far beyond a particular political party. The Obidient Movement is a diverse and inclusive collective that transcends traditional political, religious, and ethnic affiliations,” Obi wrote on his X page late Wednesday.
“It is not domiciled within any particular party or headquartered in any particular part of the country”. he added.
Some sections of the media mischaracterized his comment as a sign of possible disconnect from the Labour Party.
Obi Clarifies
However, on Thursday Obi clarified that his aspiration is to work closely with and reconcile all valued members and party leaders, and partner with like-minded parties all over the country, and his advice was not intended to disparage the party.
“For the attention of all those holding such an impression and for the general public, I remain a faithful, committed and loyal member of the Labour Party. For the avoidance of doubt, I remain a committed, loyal Labour Party member. That is my definitive response to all Nigerians who may doubt my party affiliation in the light of recent reports and conflicting interpretations of recent political expressions.
“My statement yesterday was intended to clarify some issues that are of concern to our teeming supporters some of whom are not members of any political party but are desirous for a new Nigeria. Our goal and aspirations remain that a new Nigeria is POssible”, he clarified.
Growing Internal Opposition
However, internal discord or even sabotage may be brewing inside the party. Obi did not support the current Chairman, Julius Abure, in his conflicts with the Labour unions, which formed the party. Feeling abandoned, Abure have reportedly reconciled with former rivals Lamidi Apapa and former Publicity Secretary, Abayomi Arabambi.
In an interview on Channels TV on Friday morning, Arabambi claimed his Lamidi Apapa-led faction and Abure faction are now united against Peter Obi, appearing determined to hinder Obi’s political advancement. He said their mission is to block Obi from forging any political alliance with the main opposition party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar.
It will be recalled that the Apapa-led faction opposed the party’s legal efforts to overturn President Bola Tinubu‘s victory and declare Obi the rightful winner of the 2023 presidential election. Many have accused Lamidi Apapa and Arombaib of running an ethnically tainted campaign to undermine Peter Obi in aid of President Tinubu.
The Labour Party has revoked its decision to create the Obidient directorate and has instead established a Directorate of Mobilisation and Integration.
The inauguration of the directorate will take place on Saturday, June 8, at the party’s National Secretariat, Utako, Abuja, by 10.00 am.
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