The Labour Party (LP) faction led by Julius Abure has rejected claims by its 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, that the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government has infiltrated the party’s leadership, describing the allegations as baseless and a diversion from the real cause of internal discord within the party.
In a statement issued by the party’s National Secretary, Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, the LP accused Mr. Obi and Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, of being the actual architects of the crisis that has plagued the party in recent months.
Reacting to an interview granted by Obi on Monday, where he alleged that the APC was behind the Labour Party’s internal conflicts, the party challenged the former Anambra governor to provide concrete evidence to back his claims.
The LP stated that Obi’s assertions lack substance and are part of a broader effort to deflect responsibility for his failure to provide effective leadership within the party.
“The crisis in the Labour Party was not created by the ruling party. It was created and is being sustained by Peter Obi and Dr. Alex Otti.
“We dare Obi to produce any tangible or intangible evidence that suggests the Abure-led leadership is compromised by the APC,” part of the statement read.
The statement reiterated that while other political parties face internal disagreements, Labour Party’s turmoil stems was from moves by Obi and Otti to override established party structures.
The party particularly criticized their decision to set up what it described as an “illegal and unconstitutional caretaker committee” in Umuahia, Abia State.
The Abure-led faction also accused the duo of attempting to hijack the party’s national leadership despite court rulings up to the Supreme Court affirming the legitimacy of Barrister Julius Abure as National Chairman.
The party also took issue with Governor Otti’s recent public remarks against Abure.
“If the governor is not limited in knowledge, he would have appreciated the import of the Supreme Court judgement which practically resolved the crisis in the party,” the statement added.
The LP further criticized what it called a campaign of blackmail and misinformation from Obi and his allies, insisting that the leadership under Abure remains the legitimate authority and will not be displaced.
In conclusion, the party expressed disappointment that rather than show gratitude, Obi and Otti have resorted to undermining the very leadership that championed their electoral aspirations.
“One takeaway from Obi’s interview is that he has acknowledged that Abure is the National Chairman of the Labour Party.
“We call on Peter Obi and other aggrieved members to accept this reality and help move the party forward,” the statement noted.
