Obi’s Defection to ADC Won’t Weaken Labour Party in Anambra, Says State Chairman

By Praise Chinecherem

Anambra State chapter of the Labour Party has dismissed concerns that the defection of its 2023 presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, would weaken the party’s strength in the state.

Chairman of the Party, Comrade Peter Okoye in a statement on Tuesday insisted that LP remains solid, united and well-positioned for the 2027 general elections.

Obi had on December 31, 2025 defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

According to Okoye, the Labour Party is not built around any single personality but on ideology, institutional strength, collective sacrifice and the will of the people.

He assured party members, stakeholders and supporters that the exit of Obi, who hails from Anambra State, alongside some other individuals, would not in any material way diminish the party’s structure or electoral prospects in the state.

The statement reads in part, “We wish to categorically assure party members, stakeholders, supporters, and the general public that the recent defection of the Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, who incidentally hails from Anambra State, alongside some other individuals, does not and will not in any material way weaken the Labour Party in Anambra State.

“While we acknowledge the contributions of all individuals who have, at different times, worked with the Party, Labour Party is fundamentally an institution built on ideology, structure, collective sacrifice, and the will of the people—not on any single personality.

“The strength of the Labour Party in Anambra State remains firmly rooted in its robust grassroots base, disciplined membership, functional party structures across wards, local governments, and zones, and its enduring connection with the masses.

“The Party in Anambra State remains united, stable, and focused. With the Governor of Abia State serving as the leader of the Labour Party and a vibrant National Leadership under the stewardship of Senator Nenadi Usman, the Party’s vision, direction, and organisational strength remain intact and unwavering.

“These leadership structures continue to provide clarity, cohesion, and purpose to the Party nationwide.

“The Labour Party has successfully undergone a phase of consolidation and strengthening. Our internal processes have been stabilised, leadership organs revitalised, and our grassroots mobilisation further energised.

“Across Anambra State, the Party remains disciplined, resilient, and better positioned than ever to compete effectively in the 2027 general elections, both at the state and national levels.

“We call on our faithful members to remain steadfast, focused, and actively engaged.

“The challenges of the moment only strengthen our resolve to build a party anchored on integrity, accountability, inclusion, and people-oriented governance.

“We commend our youths, women, and grassroots mobilisers whose sacrifices and dedication continue to sustain and advance the ideals of the Labour Party.

“To Ndi Anambra and Nigerians of goodwill who desire a credible alternative founded on justice, equity, and good governance, we reaffirm that the Labour Party remains the true platform for the masses.

“Our doors remain wide open to new members who share our vision of a society where governance serves the people and not a privileged few.

“As we move forward, we are confident, united, and resolute. The foundation has been laid, the house is in order, and the momentum is steadily building.

“Together, we shall strengthen our ranks, deepen grassroots mobilisation, expand our electoral fortunes, and firmly establish the Labour Party as a formidable and preferred choice in Anambra State and across Nigeria in 2027.”