Will Peter Obi Be Next as Tension Grips Labour Party over Gale of Defections

The Labour Party (LP) is facing one of its most turbulent periods since the 2023 general elections as droves of high-profile defections continue to rattle its ranks.

With at least seven members of the House of Representatives already gone and whispers of more departures on the horizon, tension is running high within the party.

Lawmakers such as Tochukwu Okere (Imo), Donatus Mathew (Kaduna), Bassey Akiba (Cross River), Esosa Iyawe (Edo), Daulyop Fom, Fom Daniel Chollom, and Ajang Iliya (all from Plateau) have officially jumped ship to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing internal crises within the LP. The defections have reduced Labour’s numbers significantly in the National Assembly, weakening its influence ahead of 2027.

The party leadership, however, isn’t taking it lightly. In a swift response, LP’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, described the defections as unconstitutional, citing Section 68(g) of the 1999 Constitution, which prohibits lawmakers from defecting without a division in their original party.

Legal action has been initiated to declare the defectors’ seats vacant and recover funds received since their switch.

The LP has also launched a symbolic “Hall of Shame” to publicly list and denounce those who leave without relinquishing their mandates—a clear signal that the party is fighting back.

Yet, as the defections continue, public attention has now turned to one man: Peter Obi.

Obi, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate and arguably its most prominent figure, is at the center of growing speculation. Will he remain with the LP or is he also planning an exit?

Former campaign director Doyin Okupe stirred the pot when he revealed that Obi had recently met with PDP leader Atiku Abubakar and was likely weighing his options.

Okupe admitted that the LP lacked the structure needed to sustain a long-term political movement, saying the party served as a temporary vehicle for many during the 2023 elections.

Even more provocative was a statement by Daniel Bwala, an adviser to President Tinubu, who confidently declared, “Even Peter Obi will join us… he will not run in the Labour Party.”

But Obi has stayed firm at least for now. In a public statement, he dismissed the rumors and reaffirmed his commitment to the Labour Party.

“For the avoidance of doubt, I remain a committed, loyal Labour Party member,” Obi said. “My commitment is to Nigerians and building a better society.”

Despite his declaration, party chairman Julius Abure has urged Obi to take a more active role in reuniting and rebuilding the party. Following a court ruling that affirmed his leadership, Abure called on Obi to “help unite the Labour Party.”

Whether Obi heeds the call and strengthens the LP from within or charts a new political course remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the Labour Party is standing at a crossroads and all eyes are on Peter Obi.