The chairperson of the Labour Party (LP) in Lagos, Dayo Ekong, has slammed the 2023 presidential candidate of the party, Peter Obi, over his alleged divisive statements, urging him to “pause and reflect” as his political influence continues to decline.

In a statement on her X handle on Tuesday, Ekong said Obi’s rising profile in 2023 was not just about his personality but a combination of party structures, grassroots mobilisation and public desire for change.

However, she claimed that “grace” which carried him then is now fading because of his divisive choices and inconsistent political moves, adding that the former Anambra State Governor political missteps have made him lose credibility even in his stronghold.

The LP chairman said Obi’s endorsements have failed to deliver victories, citing recent elections as evidence of his weakening political weight.

“Back-to-back failures in Imo and Edo should raise questions about Obi’s political strategy,” she said.

Her statement titled ‘Reflections on the Labour Party’s Challenges: A Call for Peter Obi to Pause and Ponder’ read: “As the State Chairman of the Labour Party in Lagos State, I have watched with growing concern the internal dynamics and external perceptions plaguing our great party. The Labour Party, once a beacon of hope for the masses, is now grappling with issues that threaten its unity and relevance in Nigeria’s political landscape. Chief among these is the meddlesome role and evidently waning influence of our former presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi. While I respect his contributions and the passion he ignited in 2023, it is time for a candid conversation. Mr. Obi must recognize the grace that propelled him in the last election cycle—a divine and collective favor from the party and the electorate—and reflect on how his recent actions are eroding that very foundation.

“Let us rewind to 2023. Peter Obi enjoyed an extraordinary wave of support, not just from the Labour Party’s structures but from a broad coalition of Nigerians yearning for change. Despite the controversies surrounding the election results, where many believe he was robbed of victory, his outing was undeniably successful. He garnered millions of votes, particularly from the youth and disillusioned voters, because the party rallied behind him, and the electorate saw him as a fresh alternative to the status quo.This grace was a combination of factors: the party’s platform, grassroots mobilization, and a genuine public desire for integrity in leadership. It was this synergy that allowed him to shine brightly, even in defeat.

“However, fast-forward to today, and the narrative has shifted. Peter Obi’s influence in the Nigerian polity appears to be waning, as Nigerians grow increasingly tired and wary of what some perceive as inconsistent antics and political maneuvering. His interventions, once seen as principled, now risk being viewed as disruptive and self-serving, alienating allies and diminishing his appeal. This is not mere speculation; it is evident in recent electoral outcomes where his endorsements have failed to deliver victories, signaling a loss of the magnetic pull he once commanded.

“Take the 2024 Edo State governorship election as a prime example. Amid internal party tensions, Peter Obi chose to campaign vigorously for Olumide Akpata, pitching his tent against the preferences of the National Working Committee led by Julius Abure, who wanted to adhere to the political leanings of zoning which the Edo electorate tilted towards, but because of his issues with Abure he stood firm behind Akpata.

“While Akpata was the official Labour Party candidate, Obi’s involvement highlighted factional rifts, with his support seemingly at odds with key party figures.

“The result? Akpata lost woefully to the APC’s Monday Okpebholo, securing only a fraction of the votes despite Obi’s rallies and endorsements in Benin and beyond.This defeat in Edo, a state where Labour had shown promise, underscores how Obi’s influence no longer guarantees electoral success.

“Similarly, in the 2023 Imo State gubernatorial election, Obi threw his weight behind Senator Athan Achonu, the Labour Party’s candidate. Achonu, backed by Obi’s visibility and campaign efforts, was positioned as a strong contender against the incumbent, Hope Uzodimma. Yet, the outcome was another resounding loss, with Achonu failing to unseat the APC governor in a landslide defeat. These back-to-back failures in Imo and Edo raise questions about the effectiveness of Obi’s political strategy and whether his touch still carries the transformative power it did in 2023.

“The most telling blow came recently in the Anambra State by-elections, particularly in Onitsha—Peter Obi’s own backyard and supposed stronghold. Here, we witnessed his sudden switch of allegiance, embodying the “Labour today, ADC tomorrow” shenanigans that have confused supporters and diluted party loyalty.

“Just before the polls, Obi abandoned the Labour Party candidate and endorsed Justina Azuka of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), even donning an ADC-branded cap during campaigns for the Onitsha North 1 State Constituency seat.The result was dismal: ADC garnered only 1,909 votes, while the Labour Party fared even worse, effectively rendering both parties irrelevant in the contest. Meanwhile, APGA—the party Obi once governed under before defecting to PDP and then Labour—emerged victorious with 7,774 votes, without needing his support. Governor Chukwuma Soludo aptly noted that this outcome signals the “death” of ADC and Labour in Anambra, a stark mockery of Obi’s diminished clout in his home turf.

“These patterns are not isolated; they point to a broader trend of waning influence. Public sentiment, as reflected in recent discussions, suggests that Nigerians are fatigued by Obi’s frequent shifts and perceived acrimony toward the Labour Party structures that once elevated him. A wise politician like Peter Obi, known for his prudence and vision, has suddenly lost so much appeal—even in his backyard. The threads of his political legacy are unraveling slowly but surely, undone by decisions that prioritize personal alliances over party cohesion.

“It is in this spirit that I advise Mr. Obi to take a step back and reflect deeply. He should honestly ask himself some tough questions: Does he still enjoy that grace upon his head—the divine favor and public trust that fueled his 2023 surge? Why did the parties he aligned with in Anambra, like ADC, falter so badly, while APGA triumphed without him? Is his ongoing acrimony against the Labour Party’s leadership helping or hindering the movement he claims to champion?

“An old adage says that ” A sheep that feels safe in the hands of the shepherd will eventually be slaughtered by it”. Peter Obi has surrounded himself with those who he feels has his best interest at heart, but time will surely tell.

“We all openly admonished Wike for his PDP/APC antics but turn a blind eye to Peter obis LP/ADC antics, the electorate is watching all these and slowly making up their minds against 2027.

“The Labour Party remains committed to the ideals of equity, justice, and progress for all Nigerians. But for us to thrive, we need leaders who prioritize the collective over individual whims.”