Doyin Okupe, former Director-General of the Peter Obi Presidential Campaign Organisation, has attributed the recent wave of defections from the Labour Party to the party’s failure to establish a lasting political structure following the 2023 elections.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday, Okupe, a former prominent figure in the Labour Party, discussed the challenges facing the party, especially regarding its National Assembly members. He explained that the party’s inability to build a solid foundation has left its members with uncertain political futures.
Okupe’s remarks come after six lawmakers recently defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), including Representatives Tochukwu Chinedu Okere (Imo), Donatus Matthew (Kaduna), Akiba Bassey (Cross River), and Esosa Iyawe (Edo). He noted that such defections were expected, as elected officials are unlikely to remain in a party that does not offer a clear path forward.
“The Labour Party was essentially a platform for those who couldn’t secure tickets from the major parties. Our presence there helped boost the party’s fortunes,” Okupe stated.
“However, what was neglected by the party’s leadership and presidential candidate was building a sustainable political structure.”
He added, “Those in the National Assembly on the LP platform know their position is precarious. Even if they can’t return, they will align with major parties to secure their future. This is why we are seeing a continuous stream of defections, and this trend will not stop.”
Okupe also emphasized that the political landscape has shifted since the 2023 elections, particularly in the South West, and the factors that contributed to the Labour Party’s rise will not be replicated in 2027. He remarked, “People are seeking political success, but the Labour Party is not ready to invest in building structures, which is why people are leaving.”
In a further indication of Obi’s potential shift, Okupe hinted that Peter Obi might soon leave the Labour Party. He referenced recent meetings between Obi and opposition leaders, including Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate.
“Obi was recently in Adamawa with Atiku. That shows all options are open, and the followers in the Labour Party are not blind to this,” Okupe concluded.
