The Abure-led fraction of Labour Party (LP) has urged its members to ignore a directive from former presidential candidate Peter Obi asking supporters to vote for another party in the Aug. 16 bye-elections, describing the move as “misleading, mischievous and delusional.”
In a statement signed by National Chairman Julius Abure, the party accused Obi of attempting to undermine LP’s chances at the polls despite benefiting from the party’s platform during the 2023 general election.
“It is unfortunate that Obi has turned himself into an irony and a paradox in the Nigerian political space,” Abure said, alleging that Obi has been “affiliated to many political parties” in a desperate bid to become president.
The party also blamed Obi for fueling internal crises, citing his role in what it described as an “illegal expanded stakeholders’ meeting” in Umuahia in September 2024, and his protest at the Independent National Electoral Commission headquarters “against his own party.”
Abure maintained that the LP remains on the ballot and that its candidates will contest in all constituencies where the bye-elections are holding.
“We encourage our candidates, members and supporters to stay focused and ensure Labour Party candidates are elected,” the statement read. “Nigerians have come to know who Peter Obi really is.”
The bye-elections will take place on Saturday in several states to fill vacant legislative seats.
