As the Labour Party (LP) faces growing internal discord, stakeholders and professionals within the party have issued a stern warning to its 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi. They caution that his perceived role in the party’s current crisis could jeopardize both the party’s future and his political relevance ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Alliance for All Labour Party Professionals and Stakeholders (AALPS), led by Dr. Blessing Elaigwu, has criticized Obi for allegedly fostering division rather than uniting the party after the 2023 elections. The group accuses him of supporting attempts to undermine the leadership of Barrister Julius Abure, a move they believe has plunged the Labour Party into unnecessary legal battles.

“The infighting is not only stagnating the party but is also a betrayal of the trust millions of Nigerians placed in him during the 2023 elections,” Elaigwu said.

This critique comes as other political parties are already laying the groundwork for 2027, while the Labour Party remains mired in internal strife. The group claims that Obi’s alleged interference has shifted focus from consolidating gains made in 2023 to addressing avoidable leadership disputes.

Observers within and outside the Labour Party argue that the current discord could harm the party’s standing as a credible alternative to Nigeria’s dominant political parties. “The Labour Party should be building on its momentum, not tearing itself apart,” said a political analyst.

Some members of the public have also expressed disappointment, with many questioning why a party that once symbolized hope for millions appears unable to manage its internal affairs. “If the Labour Party cannot resolve its issues, how can it convince Nigerians it can govern the country effectively?” asked Tunde Ajayi, a Lagos-based political commentator.

The AALPS has urged Obi to resolve the crisis through dialogue, warning that prolonged litigation and division could alienate the electorate. They further stressed that the party’s progress should not hinge on a single individual, no matter how influential.

With a 48-hour ultimatum issued to engage in reconciliation, the ball is now in Obi’s court to either mend the fractures or risk losing the goodwill that catapulted him to prominence in 2023. As the nation watches closely, the Labour Party’s handling of its internal crisis could determine its trajectory for years to come.

Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has raised serious concerns over Nigeria’s persistent electricity woes despite borrowing a staggering $3.23 billion in the last four years to address the sector’s challenges.

Speaking after reports of a power outage on Saturday, Obi lamented the recurring grid collapses that have left millions of Nigerians in darkness, disrupted businesses, and crippled critical infrastructure. Although the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) dismissed claims of a nationwide collapse, attributing the incident to two tripped transmission lines affecting parts of Lagos, Obi remains unconvinced.

The Labour Party leader described the power sector’s failings as a “recurring decimal,” highlighting that the national grid collapsed approximately 12 times in 2024 alone. “The untold setback and hardship it brought on households and businesses was immeasurable,” Obi said, questioning why Nigeria still struggles to produce just 4,500 megawatts of power after years of borrowing and investment.

“Instead of making significant progress, we’re witnessing recurrent failures. One wonders where all the funds borrowed for the power sector have gone,” he stated.

Obi linked the crisis to widespread corruption and a lack of commitment by leaders, urging the government to prioritize genuine development in 2025. He emphasized that without stable electricity, the nation’s economy, particularly households and small businesses, will continue to suffer.

This latest critique comes as Nigerians grapple with the realities of an unreliable power supply despite years of promises and investments in the energy sector. Obi’s call for transparency and accountability strikes a chord with many citizens who question why the lights are still out after billions of dollars have been spent.

The former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi has boldly declared his willingness to pay the supreme price for the betterment of Nigeria, signaling his unwavering commitment to the country’s progress despite facing relentless opposition.
Obi, who has faced intimidation, personal attacks, and sabotage since his foray into politics, stated that he remains resolute in pushing for the reforms that ordinary Nigerians desperately need, even if it comes at the cost of his own life.

In a deeply personal statement, Obi spoke to reporters following his New Year address to the nation. “It is extremely difficult to be in opposition in this country.
Everything is against you,” he lamented. “People don’t want to see you or associate with you because they fear government backlash. My businesses and personal life have been attacked, but I’ve made up my mind. If this is the end, so be it.”

Obi described Nigeria’s political environment as hostile to those who challenge the status quo, with efforts to silence dissent at all levels. Despite these harsh realities, Obi emphasized that the country’s future depends on courageous leadership willing to make personal sacrifices for the common good. “None of us is going to live forever. So we must build a better society for our children. And to build this, some of us will take the risk. That is part of what Dele and others are going through. Not just him, but everyone – even at the local and state levels.”

In his address, Obi turned his focus to Nigeria’s dire economic state, calling for urgent action to tackle inflation, food insecurity, and the country’s failing education and healthcare systems. He stressed that governance must focus on the tangible needs of the people, not just political power games. “Governance is not about what you say; it is about what people feel,” Obi stated, urging the government to prioritize the well-being of Nigerians over foreign trips and extravagant spending.

Obi also pointed to the deepening poverty and unemployment, noting his visit to an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp where he witnessed the heartbreaking sight of children eager to attend school but unable to do so due to their circumstances. “People are dying because they can’t afford basic necessities,” Obi stated with a heavy heart. “I saw 1,500 kids yesterday who are not in school. What are we doing about it?”

Criticizing the government’s tax policies, Obi argued that it is illogical to tax an impoverished populace and struggling industries. “You cannot tax people living in extreme poverty or factories that have shut down,” Obi said, stressing that a productive economy is the foundation for generating revenue. “When people are gainfully employed, then you can talk about generating revenue. What we need now is to reflate the country and make it productive,” he added.

In closing, Obi reiterated his call for unity among all political forces, urging Nigerians who truly care about the nation’s future to collaborate in rebuilding the country. “We need everyone who means well to come together and rebuild this country,” he stated.

His final remarks were a solemn pledge to continue fighting for the welfare of the Nigerian people. “None of us will live forever. But we must build a nation where our children can thrive. If I have to pay the supreme price for that, so be it,” Obi declared.

Peter Obi’s speech highlighted his commitment to advocating for the voiceless and challenging the status quo. His resolve to make personal sacrifices, even in the face of adversity, sets a powerful tone for the year ahead as Nigerians continue to look for solutions to the nation’s most pressing issues.