The Labour Party (LP) has come forward to address concerns surrounding the involvement of two of its key figures—Governor Alex Otti of Abia State and former presidential candidate Peter Obi—in what the party has described as an illegal committee.
Obiora Ifoh, the national publicity secretary for the Labour Party, made the party’s position clear during an interview published on Thursday. According to Ifoh, both Otti and Obi were misinformed about the nature of the interim committee they allegedly supported.
In recent days, rumours circulated that the Labour Party might impose sanctions on the two political heavyweights due to their alleged support for a caretaker committee that the party deems illegitimate. However, Ifoh has dismissed these claims, explaining that no punitive action would be taken against either leader.
Labour Party Rejects Caretaker Committee
In his interview, Ifoh emphasized that the interim committee led by Nenadi Usman, which has reportedly gained the backing of Peter Obi and Alex Otti, is not recognized by the Labour Party. He stated that the committee was formed outside the boundaries of the party’s constitution and Nigerian electoral laws.
“As you are well aware, illegality gave rise to the committee. Furthermore, it is not an outcome of the electoral legislation or the Nigerian Constitution, which is why we do not recognize it,” Ifoh said firmly.
He clarified that the Labour Party Constitution had no role in creating the committee. Instead, it appears to be the result of a group of party members who believe they should have more power and control within the party. “There was no legal basis for what they did. As a result, it is illegal and unrecognizable, and we don’t deal with that group or whatever name they go by,” Ifoh declared.
No Sanctions for Obi and Otti
Despite the controversy surrounding the alleged illegal actions, Ifoh was quick to clear the air regarding any potential sanctions against Governor Otti and Peter Obi. He stressed that both men remain respected leaders within the party and were likely misinformed about the nature of the committee.
“They are the party’s leaders, and we think highly of them. Before making that choice, we are positive they were misinformed. They’ll quickly turn around and head back to the party’s central group,” Ifoh explained.
The Labour Party, which has grown in popularity in recent years, particularly following Peter Obi’s candidacy in the 2023 presidential election, has made it clear that it values both Obi and Otti. These two figures, according to Ifoh, are “stars” and crucial to the party’s future.
“No, there won’t be any sanction on those leaders because, as I told you earlier, they were misinformed, and that does not attract any punitive action. They are our leaders and stars,” Ifoh emphasized.
Unity Over Division
The party spokesman went on to underscore the importance of unity within the Labour Party. He noted that while there may be disagreements or misunderstandings from time to time, the party operates with an open-door policy and welcomes anyone who shares its vision and ideals.
“We think it is left for us to put them through, guide them, and make them see reasons why they should retrace their steps. We need everyone in the party. We are not going to chase away anybody. That is why our doors are wide open for people who want to stay,” Ifoh said.
The Labour Party, unlike many other political parties in Nigeria, prides itself on its ideology of inclusivity and representing the needs of everyday Nigerians, particularly those at the grassroots level. Ifoh highlighted that the party is not elitist, nor does it operate in a secretive manner. Instead, it is built on openness and shared goals.
“The issue we have with the Labour Party is that the party has its programme and ideology. The ideology is for people to have the same like-mind; people who will think Nigeria and those at the lower cadre first. We are not a bourgeoisie party that is cult-like,” Ifoh explained.
