THE National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, Ken Asogwa, has acknowledged that the exit of the party’s former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, left a significant vacuum within the party.
Speaking today during an appearance on Channels Television, Asogwa reacted to Obi’s recent alliance with the coalition led by the African Democratic Congress ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to him, Obi was a major force within the Labour Party, and his departure created a noticeable gap in the opposition movement.
“We cannot deny the fact that Peter Obi was a strong figure in the party. His exit undoubtedly created a vacuum,”
Asogwa stated during the interview.
He explained that the party had anticipated Obi’s departure before it was officially confirmed on December 31 and had already begun preparing strategies to reduce its impact.
Asogwa said the party leadership quickly returned to restructuring efforts aimed at strengthening its internal system and political base after Obi’s exit.
He noted that the Labour Party identified its strongest support system in organised labour groups, particularly the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress.
According to him, the party worked towards rebuilding its relationship with both organisations after what he described as a period of disconnection under the previous leadership.
He further maintained that the Labour Party still has the capacity to produce another influential presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 elections, insisting that the party is stronger and more prepared politically.
The comments come months after the Julius Abure-led faction of the Labour Party reportedly issued an ultimatum asking Obi to formally resign from the party following his involvement in the opposition coalition under the ADC.
Obi had earlier emerged as one of the leading figures in the ADC-backed coalition expected to challenge the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the next presidential election.
Reacting to Obi’s participation in the coalition, Labour Party spokesperson Obiora Ifoh accused the former Anambra State governor of maintaining divided political loyalties and described the coalition as a gathering driven by political interests.
