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| Alex Otti and Peter Obi |
The Labour Party (LP) is facing a deepening internal crisis, with a factional leader, Abayomi Arabambi, publicly declaring plans to expel its 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, and other prominent members currently under suspension. Arabambi, who identifies as the factional Publicity Secretary of the LP, made these assertions during a television interview on TVC, further fueling the ongoing power struggles within the party. He emphasized that a national convention would be held soon to address the internal turmoil.
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| Former Presidential Candidate— Peter Obi |
According to Arabambi, Obi and Otti are responsible for causing significant problems and divisions within the Labour Party. He accused them of pursuing their own "personal aggrandisement" at the expense of the party's unity and stability. Arabambi vowed that his faction would not allow these individuals to "ruin" the LP. He also reiterated his faction's position that Julius Abure remains the legitimate National Chairman of the LP, dismissing claims from other factions that the Supreme Court had removed him.
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| Governor of Abia State— Alex Otti |
Arabambi presented a national convention as the only viable solution to restore peace and order within the Labour Party. He stated unequivocally that the convention would serve as a platform to formally expel Obi, Otti, and others currently facing suspension. "There can be only one solution which a national convention will soon unleash. It is to expel Peter Obi, Governor Alex Oti and others. They are currently under suspension. I assure you that they will be expelled soon," Arabambi declared.
This internal conflict follows a recent announcement by the National Secretary of the Labour Party, Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, that Governor Otti, Senator Ireti Kingibe, and four other members had been suspended indefinitely due to allegations of anti-party activities. The other suspended members include Senator Darlington Nwokocha, Hon. Victor Afam Ogene, Hon. Amobi Ogah, and Hon. Seyi Sowunmi. The suspension effectively bars these individuals from representing or acting on behalf of the Labour Party.
The escalating dispute within the Labour Party raises serious questions about its future and its ability to function effectively as a political force. The planned expulsion of key figures like Peter Obi and Alex Otti could have significant repercussions for the party's support base and its prospects in future elections. The upcoming national convention will undoubtedly be a pivotal event that could either resolve the internal divisions or further fracture the party, potentially leading to a complete collapse of the LP's cohesion. The power struggle underscores the complex and often volatile dynamics within Nigerian politics.