Nothing Is Ruled Out’ – Okupe Suggests Peter Obi May Consider Leaving Labour Party

Doyin Okupe, former Director-General of Peter Obi’s Presidential Campaign Organization, has blamed the recent defections from the Labour Party (LP) on the party’s inability to establish a sustainable structure following the 2023 elections.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Six LP lawmakers recently switched allegiance to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the House of Representatives, including Rep. Tochukwu Chinedu Okere (Imo), Rep. Donatus Matthew (Kaduna), Rep. Akiba Bassey (Cross River), and Rep. Esosa Iyawe (Edo).

In an interview with journalists in Lagos on Sunday, Okupe highlighted that the party’s lack of structure had left elected members searching for political relevance and survival elsewhere. He noted that the defections were foreseeable, as many elected officials could not afford to remain in a party with uncertain prospects.

Okupe pointed to Peter Obi’s recent meeting with opposition leaders, including 2023 PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar in Adamawa, as an indication that “all options are on the table” for Obi and his political future.

“The Labour Party has historically been a fallback for those unable to secure tickets in major parties. That’s how we joined, and our presence boosted its fortunes,” he explained.

Okupe further stated that many National Assembly members elected under the LP banner recognize their slim chances of re-election in 2027 without a solid party structure, which is why they are aligning with more established parties.

“What does Obi’s meeting with Atiku tell you? It suggests that all options are on the table. Labour Party followers are not blind,” Okupe said.

He also criticized both the party leadership and Peter Obi for failing to develop a political structure after the elections, adding that this neglect is driving people away and will continue to do so.