National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Lilian Edward
The former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, has endorsed the party’s national chairman, Julius Abure, and the National Working Committee (NWC). This endorsement followed Obi’s visit to the LP’s national headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.
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The former Anambra Governor was received by Abure and other party leaders, marking a significant shift from his previous stance. Obi had earlier shunned the party’s controversial national convention held in his home state, Anambra, amidst a leadership crisis.
During his visit, Obi officially endorsed the newly elected NWC led by Abure. This decision could put him at odds with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), which has called for the removal of Abure and the NWC. The NLC Political Commission had rejected the national convention that reinstated Abure as the national chairman.
In a statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Obiora Ifoh, Obi urged aggrieved party members to prioritize the survival of Nigerians and the nation above all other interests. He emphasized his commitment to uniting all warring factions within the party.
Obi stated, “For now, let us talk about how we are going to survive till then because we politicians always focus on the next election and not about human beings. For me, when they survive the next election, we can talk about the election. Let us focus on Nigeria and see that Nigeria works; if Nigeria is working, the Labour Party will work.”
Abure expressed appreciation for Obi’s visit and called for unity among the party members. He urged those still upset over the Nnewi convention to set aside personal grievances and work together for the party’s success in the next election season.
Abure said, “I want to say this very clearly, the convention has come and gone; all those who are still angry with us over the Nnewi convention, we want to appeal to them to come together and work with us to build the party for a new Nigeria that has a vision. I believe very strongly that personal interests should be put aside in pursuit of a new Nigeria that will work for all.”a
