Peter Obi’s Loyalty Questioned? Labour Party Insider Speaks Out On PDP Defection Talks!

The Deputy National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), Ayo Olorunfemi, has urged Peter Obi, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, to ignore rising calls for him to leave the LP ahead of the 2027 elections.

This advice follows appeals from Segun Sowunmi, a prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) member, who, amid a wave of defections in Delta State, has been pushing for the former Anambra State governor to return to the PDP. Sowunmi believes Obi’s return could boost the party’s chances against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next general elections.

However, in a chat with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos, Olorunfemi — who also contested the 2024 Ondo governorship election under the LP — advised Obi to focus on strengthening and uniting the Labour Party rather than contemplating defection.

While recognizing Obi’s constitutional right to associate with any party, Olorunfemi warned that abandoning the LP could send the wrong message about Obi’s true political intentions.

He said, “Having contested under the LP and witnessed the party’s strength, if he decides to leave now, it would speak volumes about his real motives.”

Olorunfemi further stated, “It would raise doubts about whether he ever genuinely believed in the Labour Party’s ideals or simply used the platform for his ambition.”

He stressed that any defection by Obi would force Nigerians to question his political credibility.

“It would now be up to Nigerians to judge if Obi, who garnered millions of votes under the LP, can still attract similar support under the PDP or any other party,” he added.

Offering pointed advice, Olorunfemi said Obi should focus on rebuilding and restoring unity within the Labour Party rather than seeking opportunities elsewhere.

“If I were in his shoes, my priority would be to heal and rebuild the Labour Party,” he concluded.