The political landscape in Nigeria recently witnessed a significant shift as the Labour Party (LP) declared its liberation following the defection of its 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). In a strongly worded statement, the LP described Obi's departure as a "relief" from a prolonged internal crisis, squarely blaming the former presidential flagbearer and his allies for the party's tribulations.

Mr. Obi formally announced his move to the ADC during a New Year address in Enugu State, where he articulated his reasons, citing patriotism and national interest as guiding principles. He further accused the incumbent political leadership of state capture, economic mismanagement, and a systematic erosion of democratic values as motivations for his defection.

However, the Labour Party, through its National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, quickly countered Obi's narrative. The party asserted that it had conceptually "parted ways" with Obi and some of his supporters in the National Assembly since September 2024, expressing no surprise at his formal exit. The statement underscored the party's sentiment of being "finally liberated" and considered Obi's defection a "blessing." The LP also found Obi’s defection speech at the Enugu event to be "lacklustre" and uninspiring, questioning its substance and what new vision he intends to offer Nigerians.

Furthermore, the Labour Party levied serious accusations against Peter Obi and Abia State governor, Dr. Alex Otti, holding them responsible for orchestrating the sustained leadership crisis within the party. According to the LP, both individuals sponsored "an insurrection against the Julius Abure leadership," a claim central to understanding the party's internal struggles. The party highlighted its previous warnings to Obi and his supporters to leave if they could not align with the existing leadership, revealing that several lawmakers had already faced suspension for anti-party activities. The LP also expressed surprise that Governor Otti, despite being suspended, had not yet followed Obi out of the party, suggesting it was "not too late for him to follow his political leader."

Regarding the Enugu event marking Obi’s defection, the Labour Party dismissed the gathering, claiming it was largely boycotted by key political and traditional stakeholders from the South-East. The party characterized the attendees as "mere political spent forces who cannot win in their wards," thereby declaring Obi's presidential or vice-presidential aspirations as "already a failed project from inception."

In a particularly candid admission, the Labour Party issued a rare apology to the Nigerian populace for endorsing Peter Obi as its presidential candidate in the 2023 elections. The party conceded that this decision was "the greatest political mistake," pleading for "forgiveness from Nigerians" as time had proved their initial judgment erroneous. The LP also contended that Obi’s 2023 presidential bid had adversely impacted the South East region, leading to its marginalization under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, citing the disparity in ministerial appointments where the entire South East received a "paltry five ministerial slot" compared to other states boasting up to five ministers individually. The Labour Party concluded its statement by pledging to embark on a path of rebuilding and repositioning itself, urging Nigerians to anticipate its future prospects and efforts to restore the nation's "glorious days."