The crisis within the Labour Party has taken another turn as Julius Abure, the factional National Chairman, has cautioned the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, against what he described as attempts to blackmail the party.

This caution came through a statement released by the faction’s National Secretary, Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, following an interview Obi granted Arise TV on Monday. In the interview, Obi reportedly claimed that the ruling APC had infiltrated the Labour Party’s leadership and was fueling internal conflict.

Reacting to the interview, Abure’s camp dismissed the allegations, stating that the troubles rocking the party were not caused by any external interference from the APC but were rather the result of internal actions taken by Obi and Abia State Governor, Alex Otti. The faction emphasized that Governor Otti, currently under suspension for anti-party behavior, and Obi played key roles in triggering the issues now affecting the party.

They went further to challenge Obi to present any solid proof—tangible or not—that links the Abure-led leadership to any collaboration with the APC. They also addressed Obi’s claim that Abure referred to Otti as a “dwarf,” describing the accusation as an attempt to distract from more pressing matters.

While the group said they didn’t wish to publicly drag Obi, they criticized what they see as his consistent misrepresentation of the situation, urging him to stop misleading Nigerians. They noted that like many political parties, Labour Party is facing internal challenges, but insisted Obi must take responsibility for his part in it.

The statement stressed that the party had several chances in 2023 to form alliances but chose to stick by Obi and Otti—before, during, and even after the elections. Now, they believe it’s time for Obi to accept responsibility for his own shortcomings. “Leaders aren’t perfect, but when they make mistakes, they should own them,” the statement read. “Peter Obi failed in providing the leadership the party needed. Instead of pointing fingers, he should take accountability.”

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has made it clear that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will survive, despite the internal issues rocking it. Wike gave this assurance on Monday evening while hosting a meeting with key party members under the banner of “Concerned Stakeholders of the PDP.”

In attendance were former governors like Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu, Samuel Ortom of Benue, and Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia. Also present were the PDP National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, ex-Senate Minority Leader Philip Aduda, current and former lawmakers, as well as zonal and state executives.

Wike praised the group, saying they’re not just people who make noise in the media but real members who have shown genuine commitment to the party’s progress. He highlighted the role of the G5 Governors, saying their decisions helped stabilize the country. According to him, if not for the steps taken by the G5, Nigeria would have been in deeper crisis.

He insisted that the PDP’s current problems stem from its failure to listen to warnings in the past. Wike emphasized that the party must respect both its internal rules and the country’s constitution. He added that as an opposition, the PDP cannot afford to act with arrogance or impunity. Instead of pushing people away, he said, the focus should be on unity and reconciliation. “Let’s not let greed and pride destroy our party,” he warned.

Peter Obi, former Labour Party presidential candidate, has declared that democracy no longer exists in Nigeria. Speaking in an interview with Arise TV, Obi pointed to the recent Edo State governorship election and the unfolding political crisis in Rivers State as clear signs that democratic principles have collapsed.

Obi condemned President Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers over tensions between Governor Sim Fubara and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. The President’s move included suspending the governor, his deputy, and the entire State Assembly for six months, replacing them with a Sole Administrator.

Obi criticized the decision, arguing that no one should govern without a mandate from the people. “There is no democracy in Nigeria today,” he said. When asked why he plans to contest the 2027 presidential election, Obi said the fight for real democracy must continue. “Look at the Edo election — does that look like democracy? Rivers State buried the whole idea,” he said.

“You can’t fix problems by breaking the rules,” Obi added. “I’m still committed to building a better Nigeria. I have the background, the experience, and I’ve served in both the corporate world and as a governor. No other candidate brings what I bring to the table.”