The Julius Abure-led Labour Party (LP) has accused its 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, of working against the party’s interest by urging supporters to back the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the August 16, 2025 bye-election.
Obi, who is yet to formally join the ADC but has been linked to its recent political activities, issued a statement on Thursday calling on his followers to vote ADC due to what he claimed was LP’s absence from the ballot.
“Kindly note that because the Labour Party has no recognised candidates by INEC due to the internal crisis, I humbly urge every member of Obidient and COPDEM families to… vote for the coalition political party, African Democratic Congress,” Obi wrote.
But Abure fired back on Friday, saying Obi’s remarks were “misleading” and “mischievous,” stressing that LP has candidates in the race.
“What Obi does not know is that the Labour Party is on the ballot… We have done everything within the law to ensure that our candidates participate in the bye-election,” Abure said.
He encouraged members to stay loyal and “return the Labour Party and the candidates elected.”
Analysts view Obi’s move as a damaging blow to LP unity, potentially alienating his remaining base within the party’s structure.