The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has addressed and dispelled circulating rumors about his potential departure from the party.
Peter Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, used his social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), to reaffirm his dedication to the Labour Party. He stated that he is “a faithful, committed, and loyal member of the Labour Party.”
This clarification comes in the wake of an announcement by the Labour Party’s National Chairman, Julious Abure. The party’s National Working Committee had decided to establish new Directorates, including the “Obidient Directorate,” aimed at integrating members of the Obidient Movement into the Labour Party. The announcement included the appointment of several individuals as directors, which caused discontent among some movement members, leading them to release a statement denouncing the party’s decision and dissociating from the new body.
In response to Abure’s decision, Obi commented on the nature of the Obidient Movement, stating that it “is beyond a political party and cannot be cubbyholed into one.” This remark triggered speculation that Obi might be planning to leave the Labour Party.
On Thursday, addressing these rumors, Obi explained his position at Abuja airport: “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.”