For the past 2 years, Labour Party has been faced with a myriad of problems. In fact, since the party lost the gubernatorial elections in Lagos State to APC and the presidential race to Pres Bola Tinubu, all has not been well with the party which showed a lot of promise during the 2023 general elections.
The problems facing the party has been largely that of Leadership. And as you read this fresh crisis is facing the party..
Only a few days ago the Caretaker Committee led by Senator Nenadi Usman sacked Julius Abure who has fought back.
And over the last few months, many have wondered why Peter Obi, the party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, has not stepped in to help in amicably resolving all the contending issues.
Like one of the stakeholders put it: What has Peter Obi done to calm frayed nerves? Right now, as the Labour Party members in Lagos prepare for the forthcoming local government elections in July, what has Peter Obi done to encourage them to win?
These and many more are the questions political analysts have been asking: What is Peter Obi doing about the problems facing Labour Party?
These questions are popping up because Peter Obi has not directly addressed the Labour Party crisis in all his recent statements. But he has expressed concerns about the country’s situation, stating that the “labour of our heroes past” is in vain due to the current economic and social challenges facing Nigeria. But Senate President Godswill Akpabio has criticised Peter Obi, urging him to first resolve the Labour Party crisis before aspiring to lead the country.
President Akpabio’s remark has sparked debates, with some questioning his motives and others agreeing that Obi should prioritize resolving the Labour Party crisis.
But many keep asking: Why can’t Peter Obi end Labour Party Crisis
Insiders say Peter Obi’s ability to end the Labour Party crisis has been hindered by several factors, like the Internal Party Conflicts: The Labour Party is plagued by deep-seated internal conflicts, including leadership disputes between factions led by Julius Abure and Lamidi Apapa. These conflicts have resulted in court battles, suspensions, and counter-suspensions, making it challenging for Obi to assert his authority.
There is also Lack of Control. Some have argued that as a presidential candidate and national leader, Obi may not have direct control over the party’s internal affairs, particularly when it comes to disputes between different factions. The party’s Caretaker committee, led by Senator Esther Nenadi Usman, has passed a Vote of confidence in Obi, but this may not be enough to resolve the crisis.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s recent comments criticizing Obi for not resolving the party crisis has added to the pressure. Akpabio’s remarks suggest that Obi’s leadership abilities are being questioned, which could further complicate efforts to resolve the crisis.
The Labour Party’s internal power struggles and alleged financial impropriety allegations have weakened its leadership structure. Until these issues are addressed, it may be difficult for Obi or any other leader to effectively manage the party’s affairs.
Some have recommended potential steps forward, like
Dialogue and Negotiation. Encouraging open communication and negotiation among party factions could help resolve differences.
There is also the need to establish a clear, universally accepted leadership structure which would help stabilize the party.
The need for Internal Reforms. Implementing reforms to address internal grievances and improve party governance could also contribute to resolving the crisis.
But why doesn’t Peter Obi mobilise party members in Labour Party?
We gathered that Obi has recently reached out to principal actors in the party to resolve differences and prevent external elements from infiltrating the party, indicating his willingness to intervene.
Obi emphasizes the need for Peace and unity within the party, stating that he’s visiting various states to meet people’s needs and promote peace.
Obi has reiterated his commitment to the Labour Party, dismissing rumors of his departure and emphasizing his loyalty.
Obi is working to resolve the crisis, engaging with both factions and urging them to sheath their swords.
Some have even asked what Peter Obi is doing to encourage Labour Party members who want to contest for LG elections in Lagos, considering his past brilliant performance in Lagos, where he led Bola Tinubu with over 1,000 votes in 17 LGAs during the presidential election.
Let’s reveal Obi’s Influence in Lagos LGAs.
His past Electoral Success are as follows: Obi won in 9 LGAs, including Ajeromi-Ifelodun, Amuwo-Odofin, Eti-Osa, Ikeja, Kosofe, Oshodi-Isolo, Somolu, Ojo and Alimosho, while Tinubu triumphed in 11 LGAs.
On Vote Count, Obi polled 582,664 votes, while Tinubu scored 541,850 votes.
Many have argued that the 64 year old politician and businessman who was the Governor of Anambra State under President Olusegun Obasanjo from 17 March 2006 to 3 November 2006, when he was impeached has a lot to offer.
But why he is not doing enough remains an issue. Recall that he was reinstated on 9 February 2007 and continued his tenure until 2010. He was reelected for his second term until 7 March 2014 is quite experienced enough to play such a leadership role at a critical time like this. A member of the Labour Party since 2022, he was the presidential candidate in 2023.
Obi’s administration was however interrupted shortly after, as he was removed from office by the State assembly 3 November, 2006. The state assembly cited “gross misconduct” on the part of Obi for its action. Obi headed once more to court, as the position of Governor devolved to his Deputy, Dame Virginia Etiaba. He was restored to office and resumed as governor 9 February, 2007. Obi was yet to complete his tenure when another election was held to fill the position: the electoral body, INEC, was more interested in keeping to its schedule of elections than consideration of fairness to Obi. This “election” produced Andy Uba of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as Governor. His swearing in on 29 May, 2007 meant forcible removal of Obi from the governorship seat. Obi was yet once more compelled to seek judicial help. The Supreme Court upheld Obi’s position, overturning another illegality to enable Obi serve out his governorship from 14 June, 2007 to 17 March, 2010.
Obi successfully ran for re-election and subsequently held the governorship till 17 March, 2014 when he handed over to his successor, Willie Obiano.
Obi sought the Vice presidential nomination in 2019, along Atiku Abubakar after decamping to Peoples Democratic Party, but lost to Muhammadu Buhari. He became a member of the Labour Party in 2022 and was handed the presidential ticket by Patrick Utomi during the primary election of the party. He selected Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed as the vice presidential candidate for the 2023 presidential election, and their ticket lost to president and Vice President, Bola Tinubu and Kashim Shettima. Obi’s presidential campaign has been described as populist, especially with firing up a group of supporters called The ‘Obidients’.
During the 2023 Presidential election campaign, people under 30 proved to be some of the biggest Obi’s supporters, showing their support via social media, protests and street marches. Aisha Yesufu endorsed Obi in her first-ever endorsement of a presidential candidate. Young supporters of Obi’s campaign were generally called the “Obidients”, which was coined from his name “Obi.
The Obidients are attracted by Peter Obi’s ideology of frugality, economic production rather than the ostentatious consumerism and waste, and resourceful management and investment in key sectors, for economic growth and development.
Political commentators have generally argued that Obi’s third party candidacy appeals to young voters dissatisfied with the 2 major parties, which has resulted in the “biggest political movement in recent Nigerian history.”
With his core message of prudence and accountability, Obi managed to gain the backing of voters for his previously largely unknown Labour Party into a strong third force against 2 political heavyweights, APC and PDP.
The election results were announced on 1 March 2023. Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress party, was named president-elect with 8.79 million votes. Obi received 6.1 million votes, and won in both Lagos and Abuja. This put Obi in third place behind winner Bola Tinubu and People’s Democratic Party nominee Atiku Abubakar. Obi contested the result. He went to court, but he again lost.
