Peter Obi, the national leader of the Labour Party (LP) and former presidential candidate, has addressed the ongoing crisis within the party, describing it as a distraction that he and his supporters refuse to be drawn into. Following a controversial national convention that reaffirmed Julius Abure and the National Working Committee (NWC) in their positions, Obi chose to boycott the event, citing a lack of adequate consultation within the party.
In a statement shared on his X platform hosted by Parallel Facts, Obi emphasized that his primary concern lies beyond party politics; it focuses on the broader issues affecting Nigeria. He articulated a vision for the country that prioritizes essential needs such as water, power, employment, and security, indicating that these are the areas that should command attention and action.
Obi drew a parallel to a biblical teaching, referencing Jesus Christ’s advice to his disciples about attempting to enact change within a community. He expressed his commitment to making efforts to rectify the issues within the LP but made it clear that he would not remain tied to the party if it resisted necessary changes. “I won’t die with them,” he asserted, indicating his readiness to part ways if the leadership and direction of the party do not align with his vision for Nigeria.
Despite the challenges within the Labour Party, Obi remains determined to advocate for the changes he believes are essential for the country. He reassured Nigerians of his continued efforts to influence the party positively, but reiterated that he would not compromise his principles or well-being in the process. This statement highlights Obi’s focus on broader national issues and his intent to maintain a constructive role in Nigerian politics, regardless of the internal dynamics of the Labour Party.