Labour Party crisis: Obi free to leave – NLC 

The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, on Sunday said its presidential candidate in last year’s election, Peter Gregory Obi, is free to leave the party if he desires.

Benson Upah the spokesman of the Labour union stated its decision as regards the party’s national chairman, Julius Abure.

He insisted that the national convention that reelected Abure was  ‘illegal’ , adding that the union would not recognise it.

“Our position on this matter is clear and has not changed. Abure remains unknown to us. It is not a question of removal. As far as we know, he does not exist,” Upah said.

Obi has been uncomfortable
with the Labour Party’s leadership over the conduct of the convention in Nnewi, Anambra State, which he boycotted.

He had expressed his frustrations during a session on X, saying he did not attend the national convention because the party leadership rebuffed his appeal for wider consultation with stakeholders before the exercise.

This has stirred speculations about the likelihood of him dumping the Labour Party for another political platform, regardless of the assurance of the 2027 presidential ticket.

Reacting, Upah said only Obi would decide whether to stay in the party or leave, adding, however, the former Anambra governor is free to decide his political future.

“The right of choice is available to Mr Obi. If he chooses to leave the party, that is his preference,” Upah said.

“We can’t sit in judgment over him on that. But if he chooses to remain, of course, Peter Obi is an asset any day. I rest my case on that.”