Toba Owojaiye reporting
Abuja, Nigeria
Oseloka Obaze, a trusted ally of Peter Obi and former Secretary to the Anambra State Government, has formally resigned from the Labour Party (LP), raising serious concerns about the party’s internal democratic processes and leadership instability.
In a letter, made available to Truth Live News, dated May 3 and addressed to the LP Chairman in Ochuche Ward 406, Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, Obaze described the party’s recent governorship primary held on April 5 in Awka as “marred by outright irregularities bordering on fraud and criminality.” According to him, the process violated the LP’s constitution and democratic values.
“The conduct of the governorship primary was deeply flawed and fell short of the party’s internal standards. It is unfortunate that a party that should represent new hope is now engulfed in practices that betray the very essence of democracy,” Obaze wrote.
He also referenced the lingering leadership crisis within the party, particularly the unresolved tussle between Julius Abure and Nenadi Usman, as a key reason for his departure. The leadership conflict has created deep divisions and raised questions about the party’s ability to offer a credible alternative to the Nigerian electorate.
Obaze, a former United Nations diplomat and one of the intellectual pillars behind Peter Obi’s 2023 presidential campaign, did not reveal his next political move. In 2022, he had left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to align with Obi’s transition to the Labour Party, becoming an influential figure within the Obidient Movement.
His resignation adds to a growing wave of defections that threatens the unity and momentum of the LP. Just last week, Titus Odo, LP’s spokesperson in Enugu State, and Emeka Mamah, a former commissioner and Obi’s campaign coordinator, both rejoined the PDP. Earlier on April 8, Eze Gabriel, an Enugu State lawmaker, also defected to the PDP—a move officially acknowledged by Speaker Uche Ugwu.
The internal crisis appears far from over. John Nwosu, a governorship aspirant in Anambra, has already rejected the outcome of the factional primaries, deepening tensions in the party’s state chapter.
Observers say Obaze’s departure signals a worrying trend within the Labour Party and could significantly impact its future, especially in the Southeast, where it has enjoyed strong grassroots support since the 2023 elections.