The Labour Party’s internal tensions deepened this week as its National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, openly criticized the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, accusing him of offering little more than verbal allegiance to the party.

In an interview, Ifoh suggested that Obi has been distant from party affairs and has failed to provide meaningful financial support, despite consistently identifying as a member.

“He has not shown any cause to say that he is a member of Labour Party outside verbalizing it,” Ifoh said, signalling a widening disconnect between the party leadership and Obi, who remains its most influential figure.

LP: Obi Benefited Us, But He Must Follow the Rules

The spokesman admitted that Obi’s entry into the Labour Party significantly elevated the party’s national profile, energising millions of supporters — popularly known as the Obidients — and helping the LP secure strong results in the 2023 general elections.

However, Ifoh stressed that the LP is not defined by any single individual, adding that the party had existed and achieved successes long before Obi joined in 2022.

Founded in 2002, the Labour Party had already produced elected officials at the state and federal levels, including a governor, senators, and House of Representatives members.

According to Ifoh, the LP has a long-standing structure that all members — including prominent politicians — must respect.

“If you want to be a member of the party, please come in and obey the rules and regulations guiding the party,” he said.

Internal Crisis? LP Says It’s Just Growing Pains

Addressing the perception of internal turmoil, Ifoh dismissed reports of a factional crisis as exaggerated, describing the situation as an “overflow of success” rather than a genuine split.

He argued that some individuals claiming influence within the party are “imposters” — people he says were once part of the Obidient movement but assumed they could “take over the party” because of their involvement in the election.

“We don’t have factions; what we have are imposters,” he insisted.

Preparations for 2027 Already Underway

Ifoh revealed that the Labour Party has begun positioning itself for the 2027 elections. He said the party intends to start unveiling programmes and opening its doors to new supporters as early as 2026.

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He emphasized that the LP is focused on strengthening unity and consolidating its structures ahead of the next major electoral cycle.