The Digest:
The Julius Abure-led faction of the Labour Party has declared Peter Obi's defection a "liberation" and publicly apologized to Nigerians for fielding him as its "unfitting" presidential candidate in 2023.
Key Points:
- The party's National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, said they have "patiently waited for this day" and count the defection as "a blessing."
- The LP leadership claimed it had "parted ways" with Obi since September 2024 and had urged him and his supporters to leave.
- It blamed Obi and Abia Governor Alex Otti for causing the party's internal crisis by sponsoring "insurrection" against Abure's leadership.
- The statement dismissed Obi's Enugu defection event as a "charade" boycotted by South-East leaders and filled with "political spent forces."
- It argued Obi's 2023 bid led to the South-East's marginalization in Tinubu's government, receiving only "a paltry five ministerial slots."
- The party concluded by asking Nigerians for "forgiveness" for its "greatest political mistake" and promised a better alternative.
- It also expressed surprise that Governor Otti has not followed Obi out of the party despite being suspended.
Sources: Punch Newspapers
