The Deputy National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), Dr. Ayo Olorunfemi, has called on Peter Obi, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, to dismiss mounting pressure to abandon the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking in Lagos on Sunday, Olorunfemi who also ran as the LP’s 2024 governorship candidate in Ondo encouraged Obi to focus instead on unifying and strengthening the party from within. While recognizing Obi’s constitutional right to switch affiliations, he cautioned against what he termed “dangerous advances” from rival political parties.
“If he walks away now, after benefiting from the LP’s platform, it casts doubt on his commitment,” Olorunfemi said. “People may begin to question whether he truly shared our ideals or merely used the party as a vehicle for personal ambition.”
He warned that defecting could damage Obi’s credibility, making him appear like “any other opportunistic politician” known for party-hopping. Instead, Olorunfemi encouraged him to lead efforts toward rebuilding the party he helped bring into national prominence.
Olorunfemi also highlighted the sacrifices made by other party aspirants in 2022, many of whom stepped aside to allow Obi to contest on the LP ticket. He noted that the party stood firmly behind Obi during the election campaign, despite facing intense scrutiny and personal risks.
Defending LP National Chairman Julius Abure, Olorunfemi insisted that the National Working Committee (NWC) had always operated within the bounds of the party’s constitution. “Critics must present facts if they claim we’ve breached the rules. We’re open to accountability,” he added.
While acknowledging the internal leadership challenges the LP has faced since the 2023 elections, Olorunfemi maintained that the party remains resilient and will continue to serve as a strong opposition regardless of Obi’s future political decisions.
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