Obi Still In Labour Party, Seven Parties Want Him

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The National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, has debunked claims that the 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has abandoned the party, insisting that the former Anambra State governor remains a bonafide member of the LP.

Speaking in an interview with Daily Independent, Tanko said no fewer than seven political parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have approached Obi with offers to run on their platforms ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

“Obi is still a member of the Labour Party. He has not left the Labour Party,” Tanko affirmed. “Strategically, you have plenty of people, plenty of political parties asking for him. I can say on record that I know about seven political parties who want him to come and run under them, including the PDP.”

According to him, the growing interest in Obi’s political future has compelled the former governor to carefully evaluate all available options before making any official declaration.

“His Excellency has to sit back and do an analysis of the party that he may run under and then make a pronouncement,” Tanko explained. “And he has to consult with everybody that believes in him. He’s not a one-man person. He does consultation.”

‘Obi Working to Unite the Labour Party’

Responding to allegations that Obi has failed to manage the internal crisis within the Labour Party, Tanko said those making such accusations are the same individuals responsible for engineering chaos in the opposition party.

“The challenges are there because those accusing him infiltrated the party and caused chaos, just like they do for every political party,” he said. “When you point a finger, the other four fingers are looking at you. They are behind it. And while His Excellency is trying to hold the party together, they continue to create crises.”

Tanko cited instances of alleged sabotage, including disputes over letters reportedly sent to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and court actions allegedly orchestrated to deepen division in the party.

“You can see what is happening. How can it be that a party’s sitting secretary sent a letter to INEC, and the same people later claimed it was fake?” he queried. “Then they go to court and collect kangaroo judgments. That’s what they do—they are behind it.”

‘Obi Supported LP Candidate in Anambra Election’

Tanko maintained that Obi has demonstrated loyalty to the Labour Party by openly supporting George Muoghalu, the party’s candidate in the recent Anambra State governorship election, dismissing claims that he had aligned with the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

“His Excellency has done his best to ensure the party remains united. That’s why he supported George Muoghalu in the Anambra State election,” Tanko said. “People thought he would support the ADC candidate, but he didn’t. Obi remains committed to the Labour Party.”

Tanko reaffirmed that despite political manoeuvring and external interference, Obi remains focused on strengthening the LP and the broader Obidient Movement ahead of 2027.