Labour Party Declines Sanctions on Peter Obi, Hopes for Reconciliation Amid Alleged Betrayal

The Julius Abure-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the Labour Party (LP) has stated that it will not impose punitive measures on its former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, despite accusations of betrayal.

The party claims Obi was misled into siding with an “illegal” caretaker committee.

Speaking with Punch, the National Legal Adviser of the LP, Kehinde Edun, stressed that sanctions would not resolve the ongoing rift. He expressed hope that Obi would eventually recognize the truth and realign with the party’s leadership.

Last week, the Abure-led NWC accused both Obi and the Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, of betrayal after receiving the party’s support during the 2023 general elections.

Despite the accusations, Edun emphasized that Obi remains respected as a leader within the party, attributing his actions to external pressure and a temporary lapse in judgment. He remained confident that Obi would eventually return to the right path.

“Obi is being misled. It is human to err, and we give him respect as the leader. We are confident that it’s only a matter of time before our leaders realize the truth and their mistakes,” Edun said.

However, Obi’s media aide, Umar Ibrahim, refuted claims that the former Anambra governor was misled. He emphasized Obi’s commitment to unity within the party, urging adherence to the Labour Party’s constitution and stressing that respectful dialogue would guide them forward.

“Obi is focused on building a united party and is not interested in unending issues,” Ibrahim noted, adding that mutual respect and following the party’s laid-down rules are essential to resolving conflicts.