Former Labour Party campaign chief Doyin Okupe has sparked controversy with his prediction that Peter Obi, the party’s 2023 presidential flagbearer, might soon abandon the political platform that brought him national prominence. The revelation comes amid a wave of defections from the party, particularly in the House of Representatives.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria, Okupe attributed the potential exodus to Labour Party’s failure to establish lasting political structures following the 2023 elections. His statements gain weight from recent developments where six LP lawmakers, including Representatives Tochukwu Chinedu Okere, Donatus Matthew, Akiba Bassey, and Esosa Iyawe, crossed over to the ruling All Progressives Congress.
Okupe’s analysis points to deeper structural issues within the Labour Party, describing it as primarily a refuge for politicians unable to secure tickets from major parties. He argues that this fundamental weakness, combined with leadership’s neglect of building robust political structures, has created an unstable foundation for the party’s future.
The former campaign director specifically highlighted Obi’s recent meeting with Atiku Abubakar in Adamawa as a potential indicator of shifting political allegiances. Obi was with Atiku Abubakar in Adamawa, recently. So, what does that tell you? That tells you that all options are open. The followers in the Labour Party are not blind,” Okupe stated.
Particularly concerning for Labour Party supporters is Okupe’s prediction about the party’s future prospects in the South West, where he firmly believes the extraordinary support witnessed in 2023 won’t be replicated in 2027. This assessment suggests a potentially significant realignment of political forces in the region.
The ongoing exodus of elected officials from the Labour Party underscores a critical challenge facing opposition parties in Nigeria – the struggle to maintain cohesion and relevance between election cycles. Okupe argues that current LP lawmakers recognize their limited future prospects within the party, driving them to seek alignment with major parties for political survival.
This situation reflects a broader pattern in Nigerian politics where smaller parties often struggle to maintain momentum after electoral cycles. Okupe’s insights suggest that without significant investment in party infrastructure and long-term planning, the Labour Party risks becoming another cautionary tale in Nigerian political history.
The potential departure of Peter Obi would represent a particularly significant blow to the party’s future prospects. His candidacy in 2023 had energized a new demographic of voters, particularly young Nigerians, and his exit could leave this politically engaged group without a clear political home.
Okupe’s revelations raise important questions about the sustainability of alternative political platforms in Nigeria’s democracy. The challenge of building enduring political structures outside the two dominant parties continues to plague opposition movements, potentially limiting genuine political competition.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, the Labour Party’s ability to address these structural challenges and retain its key figures will be crucial in determining its relevance in future electoral contests. The coming months may prove decisive in either confirming or dispelling Okupe’s predictions about the party’s future and Obi’s political trajectory.
