The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has publicly affirmed that Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has the liberty to exit the party if he so chooses. This declaration came from NLC spokesperson Benson Upah.
Upah also reiterated the NLC’s disavowal of Julius Abure’s leadership, despite a national convention that purportedly reinstated him as the Labour Party’s national chairman, which the NLC deems unauthorized.
The NLC’s stance remains firm, with Upah stating, “Abure is not acknowledged by us. His removal isn’t the issue; for us, he simply doesn’t exist.”
Simultaneously, a collective of retired workers, the Lagos Assembly of Labour Veterans and Trade Unionists, has demanded the resignations of both Julius Abure and NLC President Joe Ajaero amidst their ongoing leadership tussle.
Peter Obi’s discord with the Labour Party’s leadership, particularly over the convention proceedings in Nnewi, Anambra State, has been noted. Obi skipped the national convention, citing the leadership’s disregard for his call for broader stakeholder consultations.
His recent remarks have sparked rumors about a potential shift to a different political entity, even though he was guaranteed the 2027 ticket at the convention.
Upah, however, clarified that the choice to stay or depart rests solely with Obi, emphasizing his autonomy in shaping his political future.
Acknowledging Obi as a valuable figure, Upah stated that the NLC would not hinder his decision to leave the party, saying, The right of choice is available to Mr Obi. If he chooses to leave the party, that is his preference.
“We can’t sit in judgment over him on that. But if he chooses to remain, of course, Peter Obi is an asset any day. I rest my case on that,”
