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The National Working Committee of the Labour Party, under the leadership of Julius Abure, announced that it has no intention of imposing sanctions on its former 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, stating that it is evident he has been misguided into supporting an “illegal” caretaker committee, which goes against the party’s principles.
The party’s National Legal Adviser, Kèhinde Edun, disclosed this in an interview, offering insight into the Labour Party’s current position and their refusal to impose penalties on Peter Obi.
Kèhinde Edun expressed that handing out sanctions would not effectively resolve the disagreement, suggesting instead that a more thoughtful approach is needed to mend the internal rift.
Edun, however, expressed optimism that the former governor of Anambra State would retrace his steps. He said, “Obi is being misled. It is human to err, and we give respect to him as the leader. I understand there is so much pressure from everywhere, and we recognize that at the end of the day, the truth shall prevail.
“We might have a temporary situation where someone is confused as to the path to take. We won’t crucify him for that. So we are confident that it is only a matter of time; our leaders shall realize the truth and their mistakes. So it is clear.”
Accusations of betrayal were directed at Peter Obi and Abia State Governor Alex Otti last week by the Julius Abure-led NWC, alleging that their recent actions undermined the party’s unity and leadership.
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He said, “His Excellency Peter Obi is not interested in unending issues. He is interested in building a united party. So as long as they have respect for him, it’s good that they follow some of the laid-down rules and regulations of the party that can help us chart a way forward.
“That is exactly what we need to do. We should be able to ignore name-calling and all, but follow the provisions of the constitution of the party. As Obi usually says, if you want to be addressed as Excellency, you need to come through an excellent way.”
The National Working Committee (NWC), under the leadership of Julius Abure, made headlines last week by accusing Peter Obi and Governor Alex Otti of Abia State of betrayal which pointed to deepening divisions within the party.
The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Obiora Ifoh, at a press conference in Abuja, said it was disappointing that Obi and Otti would abandon Abure after he supported them in the 2023 general elections.
Ifoh expressed deep disappointment, lamenting that in a time when the party needed unity the most, the two prominent leaders, instead of offering their support, chose to betray their trust by aligning with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).