Labour Party Leadership Blames Peter Obi for Party Crisis, Says He “Failed in Providing Leadership”

In a sharp escalation of the internal crisis plaguing the Labour Party (LP), the national leadership of the party has publicly accused its 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, of being responsible for the ongoing turmoil and asserted that he “failed in providing leadership” for the party. This direct criticism from the party’s top echelon comes amidst a prolonged power struggle and accusations of external interference.

Barrister Julius Abure, the national chairman of the Labour Party, through a statement from the party’s secretariat on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, vehemently denied Obi’s recent allegations that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) had infiltrated the LP leadership to foment discord. Instead, Abure’s faction unequivocally laid the blame at Obi’s feet, alongside Abia State Governor Alex Otti, who is reportedly serving a suspension for alleged anti-party activities.

“It is therefore pertinent to put on record that the problem with the Labour Party was not created by the ruling party, (APC), rather the problem in the Labour Party was created and sustained by Peter Obi and Dr. Alex Otti,” the statement read.

The party challenged Obi to provide any tangible evidence to support his claim of APC infiltration, daring him to prove that the Abure-led leadership is in cahoots with the government.

The statement further intensified the attack on Obi’s leadership qualities, saying, “Nobody is infallible and it behoves on anyone who makes mistakes to be bold enough to own it. When good leaders fail, they should own up to their responsibilities. Obi failed in providing leadership for the party. He should own up to his mistakes.”

This strong denouncement comes after Peter Obi and Governor Otti reportedly convened an “illegal and unconstitutional Caretaker Committee” in Umuahia, Abia State, which the Abure faction claims polarized the party and instigated the current division. The LP leadership emphasized that the courts, including the Supreme Court, have consistently affirmed the legitimacy of Abure’s leadership.

The party also criticized Obi and Otti for allegedly resorting to blackmail and “demarketing” the Labour Party by continually accusing the government of infiltration. They reminded Obi that the “same government was in existence” when the party worked tirelessly to make him its presidential candidate in 2022 and campaigned extensively for him across the country.

The national leadership expressed disappointment that Obi and Otti, who were beneficiaries of the party’s relentless support through the general election and subsequent court cases, are now allegedly attempting to dislodge a lawful leadership instead of showing gratitude. The party also addressed a previous comment by Governor Otti, who allegedly referred to Chairman Abure as “masturbating,” stating that Abure’s current reaction is a response to that “reckless statement.”

The Labour Party leadership reiterated that it has moved on from the crisis following the Supreme Court judgment and is focused on repositioning the party and restoring confidence among its members. They called on Peter Obi and other aggrieved members to accept that “Barrister Julius Abure leadership has come to stay and nothing can change that,” warning against further “unguided statements” that could harm the party.

This public exchange underscores the deep fissures within the Labour Party, threatening its unity and aspirations ahead of future elections.