The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi, has alleged that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is responsible for the internal crises rocking both the Labour Party and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Obi made the explosive claim in a seven-minute video circulating across LP support groups on WhatsApp, where he addressed concerns from young party members and supporters.
Government Behind LP and PDP Crises – Obi Alleges
Responding to a visibly frustrated supporter questioning his apparent silence on the Labour Party’s lingering internal conflicts, Obi said:
“What is happening in the Labour Party and the PDP is caused by the government—quote me anywhere.”
According to the former Governor of Anambra State, the ruling administration is allegedly using state influence to destabilize opposition parties and weaken democracy in Nigeria. He compared the current state of affairs to the more conciliatory leadership of former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.
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“We had a problem in our party before, in the past. Yar’Adua was the president. I went to him then; he called the INEC Chairman (Prof. Maurice Iwu) and told him, ‘I don’t want any problem in any party.’ We were forced to fix it,” Obi recalled.
“But today, in all the parties, there are problems. These are deliberate problems caused by the system. These are some of the things I want to clean up if I have the opportunity,” he added.
Obi Confirms 2027 Presidential Ambition
In the same video, Obi formally reaffirmed his commitment to the Labour Party and announced that he would contest the 2027 presidential election under its platform.
“I will still continue to run in the Labour Party. I’m a member of the Labour Party,” Obi stated emphatically, quelling speculation that he might defect due to recent party instability.
His declaration is seen as a significant move to consolidate his political base ahead of the 2027 elections, especially as internal wrangling threatens to fracture the Labour Party’s structure at the national level.
Democracy Undermined by Systemic Sabotage – Obi
Peter Obi warned that the persistent interference by state actors in the internal affairs of political parties poses a direct threat to Nigeria’s democratic development. He emphasized the need for a credible and functioning opposition system to keep the government in check.
“Parties will function very well because you can’t have a system working without a strong opposition,” he said.
Obi noted that such disruptions are not coincidental but are orchestrated efforts to suppress dissent and limit voter choice in future elections.
Calls for Youth Involvement and Electoral Vigilance
The LP flag bearer encouraged Nigerian youths and electorates not to be disillusioned by the political crisis or discouraged by attempts to suppress alternative voices. According to Obi, real change is often met with resistance from those benefitting from the status quo.
“Even if party agents are paid to monitor polling units, it’s the voters who decide if their votes count. It is your responsibility,” he told supporters.
He urged citizens to remain vigilant and active in political discourse, promising that reforms would be central to his renewed presidential campaign.
Political Climate Heating Up Ahead of 2027
Peter Obi’s allegations come at a time when both the Labour Party and PDP are embroiled in leadership tussles, court battles, and accusations of sabotage from within. His decision to call out the Tinubu administration marks a strategic shift in opposition rhetoric and sets the tone for a potentially fierce electoral battle in 2027.
While the Presidency has not issued a formal response to Obi’s claims as of the time of filing this report, political analysts suggest the comments will intensify the political discourse around party independence and electoral transparency in Nigeria.
What you should know
With Peter Obi positioning himself as a front-runner for the 2027 elections and accusing the government of undermining opposition parties, Nigeria’s political landscape may be heading toward another polarizing and high-stakes contest. His statements underscore the growing mistrust in the political system and the urgent need for reforms to protect the integrity of democratic institutions.
