Former Presidential Candidate Peter Obi delivered a passionate call to action during the Labour Party’s National Executive Council meeting in Abuja, urging members to fearlessly speak out against Nigeria’s deteriorating state.
“Do not fear anybody. Those who were afraid yesterday didn’t do any better,” Obi declared to assembled party members. “We must speak out when things are going wrong. Nigeria is collapsing. The numbers are clear; the indices are clear—people are getting poorer every day.”
The Labour Party standard-bearer from the 2023 presidential election emphasized the dire economic and social conditions facing Nigerians, pointing to measurable indicators that reveal a nation in crisis. His forceful assessment comes amid growing public concern about inflation, security challenges, and governance issues that continue to impact millions of citizens.
During his address, Obi stressed the importance of unity and inclusivity within the party’s ranks. “Labour Party has chosen to be a family, and we must do everything as a family. It’s not about Peter Obi’s choice; it’s everyone’s choice. This family excludes no one. We want to build a party that is fair and just.”
The meeting represents a critical moment for the Labour Party as it regroups and strategizes following its notable performance in the 2023 elections. Despite being a relative newcomer to Nigeria’s political landscape in its current form, the party gained significant traction under Obi’s leadership, attracting a diverse coalition of supporters, particularly among young, urban voters.
Political analysts note that Obi’s continued presence and influence within the party signal his commitment to building a sustainable political movement rather than pursuing a one-time presidential bid. His emphasis on speaking truth to power aligns with the image he cultivated during the campaign as a straight-talking alternative to establishment politicians.
We want to go into the next election fully prepared, offering Nigerians the best and most competent candidates for the House of Representatives, the Senate, Governorships, and the Presidency,” Obi stated, outlining his vision for the party’s future electoral strategy.
The former Anambra State governor also addressed past shortcomings, highlighting the need for greater party loyalty and competence among candidates. “We want to correct the mistakes we made in the past. Anyone seeking to contest under our party must be a committed member, not just someone passing through. They must be competent.”
This emphasis on commitment and competence suggests a maturation of the party’s approach to candidate selection, potentially addressing criticisms that some previous candidates lacked sufficient ties to the party’s ideological foundations or were opportunistic in their affiliation.
Nigeria’s multi-party democracy has historically been dominated by two major political forces—the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC). The Labour Party’s emergence as a viable third force represents a significant shift in the country’s political landscape, one that Obi appears determined to sustain and strengthen.
Economic indicators support Obi’s assessment of Nigeria’s challenges. The country continues to struggle with double-digit inflation, high unemployment rates, and a persistent foreign exchange crisis that has eroded purchasing power across all sectors of society. Security challenges in various regions have disrupted agricultural production and commercial activities, further straining an already fragile economy.
Political observers suggest that Obi’s forthright critique of the nation’s trajectory is calculated to maintain the momentum his campaign generated and position the Labour Party as the voice of dissatisfied Nigerians ahead of future electoral contests.
“By framing the country’s situation as a collapse requiring rescue, Obi is not only criticizing the current administration but also presenting his party as the necessary alternative,” noted a political science professor who requested anonymity. This messaging resonates particularly well with younger voters who feel disenfranchised by traditional politics.
The Labour Party meeting occurs against the backdrop of ongoing governance challenges faced by the current administration, which took office following the hotly contested 2023 elections. Policy reforms, particularly in the economic sector, have generated mixed reactions, with many Nigerians expressing frustration over rising costs of goods and services.
Obi’s call for fearlessness in speaking truth may also be interpreted as a response to perceived intimidation of opposition voices, an issue that has raised concerns among civil society organizations and international observers monitoring Nigeria’s democratic health.
As the Labour Party works to establish itself as a permanent fixture in Nigeria’s political landscape rather than a vehicle for a single charismatic candidate, Obi’s continued leadership and messaging will likely play a crucial role in determining whether the movement can translate electoral momentum into sustainable political influence.
The party faces the challenge of building grassroots structures across Nigeria’s diverse regions while maintaining the enthusiasm that characterized its 2023 campaign. Obi’s emphasis on family, fairness, and justice suggests an awareness of the need to create a broad coalition that can appeal beyond the urban centers where the party performed strongly.
As Nigeria navigates its complex political and economic challenges, the Labour Party’s evolution and Obi’s continued advocacy represent significant developments in the country’s democratic journey, potentially reshaping opposition politics in Africa’s most populous nation for years to come.
