Edo LP faction accuses Obi of causing party division
The internal crisis rocking the Labour Party (LP) has taken another turn, as a factional leader in Edo State, Elizabeth Ativie, has accused the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, of being the source of ongoing leadership struggles.
Ativie, a known loyalist of LP’s National Chairman, Julius Abure, made the claims in a statement responding to recent criticism of Abure by Obi’s supporter, Precious Oruche, popularly known as “Mama P.”
According to Ativie, a controversial expanded stakeholders meeting held in Umuahia, Abia State, in September 2024—convened by Peter Obi and Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti—is responsible for the deepening internal divisions in the party.
Disputed Umuahia meeting at the centre of tensions
Ativie strongly condemned the September 4, 2024 meeting, calling it “illegal” and “ill-fated.” She alleged that the gathering was held with the intention of undermining the National Working Committee (NWC) led by Julius Abure.
“We want to state clearly that the problem in the Labour Party was created by Obi,” Ativie said. “It was him and Dr. Alex Otti, the Governor of Abia State, that convened the illegal stakeholders meeting in Umuahia, aimed solely at removing a legally constituted National Working Committee through underhand means.”
The meeting in question had stirred controversy within the party ranks, with several party officials and factions rejecting the decisions made there.
Concerns over leadership and direction
Ativie went further to question the leadership style of Peter Obi, arguing that he lacks the ability to unite the party or provide clear direction.
“A leader who cannot advise or guide his followers properly can hardly be called a good leader,” she said. “It is even more dangerous to entrust the whole Nigeria into such one’s care.”
While these remarks represent the views of a particular faction within the Labour Party, they underscore the level of division that has plagued the party since the 2023 general elections.
Party still struggling with unity after 2023 elections
Since Peter Obi’s presidential run in 2023 under the LP platform, the party has seen increased national attention and support. However, internal unity has remained elusive.
Disagreements have surfaced at both national and state levels, with multiple factions laying claim to the party’s leadership. Issues such as party funding, decision-making structures, and post-election strategy have been at the center of the discord.
The Umuahia meeting, though backed by some stakeholders, was not universally recognized by all party organs. This has led to a lingering power tussle between the Abure-led National Working Committee and other party leaders aligned with Obi and Otti.
Call for reconciliation amid growing tension
Despite the sharp words from Ativie, some political observers believe reconciliation is still possible—if all sides agree to open dialogue. With upcoming elections in several states and the 2027 general election on the horizon, many believe that Labour Party must resolve its internal issues quickly to remain a credible political force.
As of now, Peter Obi has not officially responded to Ativie’s comments. Efforts to reach party officials aligned with his camp were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
The Labour Party leadership crisis continues to evolve, with calls for transparency, accountability, and unity becoming louder from both within and outside the party.
