The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has stated that he remains a committed and loyal member of the party.
Obi’s clarification came on Thursday, a day after he had explained that his ‘Obidient’ movement is a broader initiative that is beyond any political party.
He had said that the movement is not a directorate of any particular party, and anyone claiming to lead a non-existent directorate is not part of the ‘Obidient’ movement.
The Labour Party had established the Obidient Directorate to integrate the movement into the party, appointing executives and scheduling its inauguration for June 8 in Abuja.
However, following Obi’s disclaimer, the party has renamed the directorate as the Directorate of Mobilisation and Integration.
Obi’s statement on Thursday was in response to rumours that he was leaving the Labour Party due to a rift with the leadership, most especially the recent one pertaining to the “obidient” directorate.
In the statement, the former Anambra state governor reaffirmed his commitment to the party, stating that he is working closely with other leaders to reconcile valued members, partner with like-minded individuals and parties, and build a strong Labour Party that will catalyze the rebuilding of a new Nigeria.
He said, “I have just been confronted by a Journalist at Abuja airport wanting to know if my statement on Obidient Movement yesterday is a signal of my leaving the Labour 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. Indeed as a Leader of the party, my aspiration, and desire working closely with other Leaders is to reconcile our valued members, and partner with like minds, and parties all over the country to build a strong and better Party that will catalyze and commence the rebuilding of a new Nigeria.
“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.”
