Factional Labour Party Chairman, Okafor Dumps Party, Says Peter Obi Can’t Lead Nigeria

BY Khadijat
May 23, 2025
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Labour Party (LP) factional chairman, Callistus Okafor has resigned from the party, declaring its 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, unfit to lead Nigeria.

The move further deepens the internal crisis plaguing the party following a series of defections and leadership disputes.

Addressing reporters on Wednesday, Okafor criticized Obi for prioritizing personal political ambitions over party development.

According to him, Obi has failed to build a strong, ideologically driven party capable of competing with Nigeria’s mainstream political platforms.

“Peter Obi is not the leader Nigeria needs. He is not building the Labour Party; he’s only interested in using the party as a vehicle for his own ambitions,” Okafor stated during a press briefing.

The resignation comes on the heels of Kenneth Okonkwo’s exit from the party. Okonkwo, who was a spokesperson for Obi’s 2023 presidential campaign, similarly expressed disillusionment with the party’s direction and Obi’s leadership style.

Despite mounting criticism, Peter Obi has denied rumors of defecting from the LP. Speaking during a National Executive Council meeting in Abuja earlier this year, Obi reaffirmed his commitment to the party:

“Let me assure you that we are Labour Party members. I have never discussed with any other party,” he stated.

The Labour Party has been entangled in prolonged internal battles, most notably involving a leadership tussle that resulted in the Supreme Court’s dismissal of Julius Abure as national chairman. This decision has fueled competing claims to the party’s leadership and raised concerns about its unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Analysts say the party’s ability to recover from its internal divisions will determine whether it can remain a credible third force in Nigeria’s political space.

As the political atmosphere continues to evolve, all eyes remain on Peter Obi and the LP’s remaining leadership to see whether they can stabilize the party and prepare for the future.