The Labour Party (LP) has intensified its internal criticism of its 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, with the party’s Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, describing him as a “verbal member” who has not shown sufficient commitment or provided financial support to the party.
Ifoh made the statement in an interview with Leadership, suggesting a growing rift between the party’s national structure and its most high-profile figure.
According to the party spokesman, Peter Obi has been absent from party activities and has failed to financially support the LP structure, despite claiming membership.
“He has not shown any cause to say that he is a member of Labour Party outside verbalizing it,” Ifoh stated.
This criticism comes despite Peter Obi repeatedly affirming his commitment and loyalty to the Labour Party in various public statements since the 2023 elections, often in response to rumors of his defection.
Ifoh acknowledged that Obi’s candidacy was a major boost to the party’s profile, attracting numerous supporters (the “Obidients”) and contributing to its performance in the 2023 elections.
However, he stressed that the party existed long before Obi and has its own operational rules.
He noted that the LP, founded in 2002, had already produced a governor, senators, and members of the House of Representatives before Obi joined in 2022.
Ifoh emphasized that anyone seeking to be a member or contest for positions, including high-profile politicians, must abide by the party’s rules and regulations.
“If you want to be a member of the party, please come in and obey the rules and regulations guiding the party,” he said.
Regarding ongoing reports of an internal crisis, Ifoh dismissed them as an “overflow of success” and not a genuine division.
He accused certain elements of being “imposters,” specifically former members of the Obidient movement who he believes thought they could “take over the party” because of their support during the election.
“The Labour Party has begun preparations for the 2027 elections and will open its doors to supporters and sympathizers who want to join the party. The party will begin to open programs as early as possible in 2026 to ensure unity and prepare for the upcoming elections.
“We don’t have factions, what we have are imposters, people who were members of the obedient, but thought they could come because they supported us in the election to take over the party,” he said.
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