The Edo State chapter of the Labour Party (LP) has alleged that the ongoing crisis within the party at the national level is being fueled by its 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, rather than the National Chairman, Barrister Julius Abure. According to the Edo State Chairman of the Labour Party, Mr. Kelly Ogbaloi Ativie, the political turmoil and internal wrangling currently affecting the party nationwide did not originate from the leadership of Abure. Instead, he insisted that Peter Obi’s actions and influence were the major catalysts behind the division. Ativie explained that the Labour Party was once seen as a united political platform that grew in popularity during the 2023 general elections, largely because of the “Obidient Movement.” However, since then, internal disputes have persisted, creating factions and mistrust among party members. He noted that while Julius Abure has been consistently accused of mismanaging the party, much of the unrest is tied to Obi’s inability to properly manage his political followers and align them with the broader party structure. The Edo chairman also emphasized that the national leadership of the party has been unfairly blamed for challenges that, in reality, arose from Obi’s growing influence and failure to integrate his loyalists into the party’s existing framework. Ativie stated that this has created confusion, weakening the Labour Party’s strength at both state and national levels. Furthermore, Ativie maintained that for the Labour Party to regain stability, all stakeholders must recognize the root cause of the ongoing crisis and address it truthfully. He argued that pointing fingers only at Abure while ignoring Obi’s role in the turmoil will not solve the problem. Observers believe that this open accusation marks a new chapter in the political battle within the Labour Party, particularly as preparations for upcoming elections intensify. The rift, if unresolved, could affect the unity and prospects of the party moving forward.
