Labour Party Lawmakers as an Appendage to APC Majority Lawmakers: A Huge Question Mark on Peter Obi’s Leadership

 

The Labour Party (LP) made an unprecedented impact in the 2023 general elections, largely due to the influence of Mr Peter Obi and the Obidient movement. Before then, it was almost unthinkable for a third-force party to achieve significant electoral success in Nigeria. However, against all odds, the LP secured eight senatorial seats and 34 seats in the House of Representatives as of March 7, 2023. Among those elected were individuals from humble backgrounds, including a former commercial motorcyclist and a motor park loading agent, further reinforcing the movement’s appeal to ordinary Nigerians.

Labour Party’s Crisis and the Loss of Legislative Influence

To the disappointment of many supporters, the Labour Party is currently experiencing severe internal disarray. At least one senator and five members of the House of Representatives have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Even more concerning is that the remaining LP lawmakers in the National Assembly appear to have become mere appendages of the APC leadership. This has been evident in their alignment with the ruling party on critical legislative issues where party differences should have been clearly articulated.

For instance, during deliberations on the emergency declaration in Rivers State, Labour Party lawmakers overwhelmingly supported the APC’s stance, rubber-stamping the president’s decision. This occurred despite pleas from their supposed national leader, Peter Obi, urging a different course of action. If Obi played a crucial role in their election victories, it is only natural that he shares in the responsibility for their current misrepresentation. More so, there have been few visible efforts on his part to keep them aligned with the party’s original vision.

Peter Obi’s Leadership and the Factionalization of Labour Party

Peter Obi’s inability to assert firm control over the Labour Party has contributed significantly to the party’s internal crisis. The factionalization within the LP has not only provided defectors with a legal loophole to justify their actions but has also left the remaining lawmakers feeling politically vulnerable. Many now believe that aligning with the APC is their best option for political survival.

Some might argue that Obi is limited by the presence of dubious and self-serving individuals like Julius Abure in the party’s leadership. However, this raises an even bigger question: if Obi struggles to manage internal party politics, how capable is he of handling the presidency, where he would have to navigate relationships with thousands of politicians with similar vested interests?

It is also worth considering that, had Obi won the 2023 presidential election, figures like Abure and his associates would have likely played significant roles in his administration, possibly even as ministers. This presents a serious dilemma, as the very individuals contributing to the party’s dysfunction could have been entrusted with national responsibilities.

A Leadership Challenge: Losing Flock and Failing to Inspire Hope

In the Bible, Jesus Christ declared in John 18:9, "None of those you gave me have I lost." Unfortunately, this cannot be said of Peter Obi, who has lost several of his key allies while others within the party behave as though they do not recognize his leadership. Some might argue that these defectors left due to financial constraints or impatience in waiting for the "New Nigeria" Obi envisions. However, a leader’s duty includes inspiring hope and ensuring that his followers remain committed to the cause.

Obi understands this well. He is not new to politics, and he knows that money plays a vital role in sustaining a political movement. While he is known for his philanthropy, there is a valid argument that he could invest more in maintaining his political base. If he eventually becomes president, he will have to spend money to facilitate the passage of his policies in the National Assembly—not as bribes, but as part of legitimate political lobbying and governance strategies.

Lessons from Anambra: Can Obi Prove the Doubters Wrong Again?

As someone who lived in Onitsha when the Appeal Court in Enugu declared Obi the Governor of Anambra State, I remember how many—including myself—doubted his capacity to govern effectively. Given the complex political landscape and the entrenched challenges in Anambra at the time, many mockingly called him "Adaobi." However, his tenure as governor proved all doubters wrong, earning him the title "Okwute Ndigbo" due to his outstanding performance in office.

Obi now faces another critical test: Can he once again silence his critics by taking decisive action to unify the Labour Party and establish a clear ideological stance? Without a strong and coherent party structure, LP lawmakers will continue to drift towards the APC, undermining the movement that millions of Nigerians supported in 2023.

Conclusion: The Need for Urgent Leadership Action

The Labour Party is currently like a flock lost in the wilderness, and its shepherd—Peter Obi—appears to be asleep at the wheel. If he hopes to keep the party relevant and position it as a formidable force for 2027, he must act decisively. This includes enforcing party discipline, engaging more actively with lawmakers, and strengthening the party’s ideological foundation.

Obi has already proven that he can defy the odds and rise to challenges. However, time is running out. He must now take control of the Labour Party and demonstrate that he is not just a symbolic leader but a strategic one capable of guiding his party and supporters toward lasting political impact.

Okoro Fidelis T.