Leadership crisis: Obi threatens to dump Labour Party

The LP has been hit by crises — ranging from allegations of misappropriation of funds, leadership tussle, to calls for the resignation of the party’s chairman — since last year’s election.

On Wednesday, the LP conducted a controversial national convention in Anambra state which re-elected Julius Abure as its national chairman.

Obi did not attend the convention, fuelling speculations that he may be mulling ditching the LP for another platform.

Speaking at a Spaces session on X (formerly Twitter) organised by Parallel Facts on Friday night, Obi said he is still a member of the LP, noting that he will never engage in anti-party activities.

Speaking on the crisis rocking the party, the former Anambra governor said the focus should be on building a new Nigeria.

He also called for the structuring of the ‘Obidient movement’.

“I am still a member of Labour Party and I don’t and will never do anti-party,” Obi said.

“We will do whatever is possible. As we go along, we will see what happens. Let us remain focused on building a new Nigeria.

“We want the party to work and pursue what we set out to do and that is to change the country. We should not lose that focus and face minor issues that will distract us.

“We promised to build Nigeria, we did not promise to build a new Labour Party.

“It is the standard practice around the world where movements form themselves into blocs and are part of the political process.”

‘IT’S MY NORMAL WAY OF LIFE’

Obi said visiting worship centres and handing out donations at places he visits has always been his way of life long before he joined politics, noting that he is not campaigning.

“I am not campaigning. I have been doing things like this before I got into politics. It is bad that politics in Nigeria is transactional,” Obi said.