The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) stated that Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, is allowed to exit the party if he chooses to do so.
This announcement was made by NLC spokesperson Benson Upah on Sunday.
Upah also emphasized the NLC’s position on Julius Abure‘s leadership, declaring that despite the union’s belief that the national convention that reinstated Abure as the national chairman of the Labour Party was ‘illegal’, they will not acknowledge his leadership.
“Our position on this matter is clear and has not changed. Abure remains unknown to us. It is not a question of removal. As far as we know, he does not exist,” he said.
In a related development, a group of retired workers called the Lagos Assembly of Labour Veterans and Trade Unionists is demanding the resignation of Julius Abure and NLC President Joe Ajaero due to their ongoing leadership struggle.
Peter Obi has been in conflict with the Labour Party’s leadership regarding the organization of the convention in Nnewi, Anambra State.
During a recent session, Obi expressed his frustrations by stating that he did not attend the national convention because the party leadership did not listen to his request for more consultation with stakeholders before the event.
His recent comments have led to speculation that he may be thinking about joining a different political party, even though he was promised the 2027 ticket at the convention.
However, Upah clarified that the decision of whether Obi should stay in the party or leave is up to him, and he is free to choose his political path.
He described the former Anambra governor as an asset and mentioned that the NLC would not stand in his way if he decided to leave the party.
“The right of choice is available to Mr. Obi. If he chooses to leave the party, that is his preference.
“We can’t sit in judgment over him on that. But if he chooses to remain, of course, Peter Obi is an asset any day. I rest my case on that,” Upah concluded.
