Peter Obi Rejects Peace Deal With Abure’s Faction
The Labour Party (LP) faced a new internal crisis after former presidential candidate Peter Obi rejected a peace deal brokered by the Julius Abure-led faction, as reported by The Punch. The deal, proposed during a National Executive Council meeting in Abuja, aimed to resolve the party’s leadership disputes. Obi, speaking through his media aide, stated that he would not align with any faction undermining the party’s integrity. The Abure faction, attended by 2023 running mate Datti Baba-Ahmed, sought to unify the party ahead of the 2027 elections. Baba-Ahmed confirmed his attendance as a peacemaker but emphasized the need for transparency. The LP’s National Secretary, Umar Farouk, announced plans to discipline members fueling the crisis, with a committee set to investigate allegations of financial misconduct. The party directed its state chapters to hold emergency meetings to address grassroots concerns, particularly in Anambra and Edo. Obi’s rejection has deepened divisions, with some members accusing him of prioritizing personal ambitions. The LP leadership urged supporters to focus on the 2025 gubernatorial elections in Edo and Ondo, where the party aims to challenge the APC. The national secretariat plans to meet with INEC to ensure compliance with electoral guidelines. The crisis has prompted calls for a national convention to elect new leaders, with a proposed date in September. The LP’s internal strife reflects broader challenges in Nigeria’s opposition, with the party struggling to maintain cohesion against the ruling APC. The situation could impact voter confidence in the LP, particularly in its South-East stronghold.