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Okupe Hints At Peter Obi’s Possible Departure From Labour Party

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4 hours ago

Dec 22, 2024.

The former Director-General of Peter Obi’s Presidential Campaign Organisation, Doyin Okupe, has attributed the wave of defections from the Labour Party (LP) to its failure to establish a sustainable structure following the 2023 elections.

This statement comes in the wake of the defection of six LP lawmakers to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the House of Representatives.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the defectors include Representatives Tochukwu Chinedu Okere (Imo), Donatus Matthew (Kaduna), Akiba Bassey (Cross River), and Esosa Iyawe (Edo).

Speaking to journalists in Lagos on Sunday, Okupe said the Labour Party’s lack of a strong political foundation has left many of its elected members seeking survival and relevance in more established political platforms.

“These defections are not surprising,” Okupe said. “Many elected officials would naturally not remain in a party with uncertain prospects. The Labour Party has historically served as a fallback option for those unable to secure tickets in the major parties. That was how we joined initially, and our presence boosted its fortunes.”

Okupe also pointed to Peter Obi’s recent meeting with opposition leaders, including Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in 2023, as an indicator of the party’s uncertain future.

“What does Obi’s meeting with Atiku tell you? It suggests that all options are on the table. Labour Party followers are not blind,” Okupe remarked.

He further criticized both the party leadership and Obi for neglecting to build a strong political structure after the election. “The Labour Party is not building or investing in structures. This failure is driving people away, and it will continue,” Okupe warned.

Okupe emphasized that National Assembly members elected under the LP banner are concerned about their political future, especially as the party lacks the foundational strength needed to guarantee success in the 2027 elections.

Okupe Peter Obi Labour Party

“Without strong party structures, these lawmakers know their chances of returning in 2027 are slim. To secure their political future, they are aligning with more established parties,” he added.