The Labour Party (LP) in Nigeria experienced a new wave of upheaval as one of its four factional national chairmen, Callistus Okafor, announced his resignation from the party, further complicating the ongoing leadership tussle. Okafor’s exit added another layer to the existing power struggle involving Julius Abure, the incumbent national chairman, Lamidi Apapa, a former deputy chairman, and Nenadi Usman, head of the National Caretaker Committee. This ongoing internal conflict threatened to fracture the party and erode its credibility.
Okafor, a former National Vice-Chairman of the LP, publicly declared his resignation during a press conference in Abuja. He cited the protracted, seven-year-long crisis within the party as the primary reason for his departure, emphasizing the toll it had taken on the party’s cohesion and effectiveness. He revealed that his decision was reached after a series of meetings with his faction’s National Working Committee and National Executive Council. He claimed to be leaving with an estimated five million supporters, a significant portion of the party’s base, and joining a socio-political, non-partisan movement called Team Wazobia Nigeria.
A key factor influencing Okafor’s decision was what he perceived as the nonchalant attitude of Peter Obi, the party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, towards the leadership crisis. Okafor accused Obi of failing to intervene and resolve the internal disputes, a failure he believed contributed to Obi’s electoral loss. He argued that if Obi couldn’t manage the internal affairs of a relatively small party like the LP, he was ill-equipped to handle the complexities of governing Nigeria.
Okafor further criticized Obi for supporting Julius Abure, despite warnings about alleged financial impropriety. He pointed to concerns raised by the former National Treasurer, Oluchi Opara, about Abure’s alleged mismanagement of party funds, which Obi seemingly ignored. This, according to Okafor, demonstrated a lack of leadership and judgment on Obi’s part, further solidifying Okafor’s decision to leave the party. He expressed his disillusionment with Obi, whom he felt the media had portrayed as a capable leader, but who, in his view, had failed to unite and manage the LP effectively.
The fracturing of the LP highlights the internal struggles that can plague political parties, particularly in the aftermath of elections. The fight for control and influence often leads to factionalism and power struggles, diverting attention and resources from the party’s core objectives. In the case of the LP, the internal strife overshadowed the party’s platform and potentially undermined its ability to effectively challenge the ruling party in future elections. The departure of a key figure like Okafor, along with a significant number of supporters, further weakened the party’s structure and influence.
While Okafor expressed his dissatisfaction with the LP and its leadership, he also ruled out joining the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He cited the PDP’s own internal crises and the defection of its members to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as reasons for his reluctance. His observations suggested a perception that the APC was the most attractive political force at the time, despite not having declared a candidate for the 2027 elections. This perception potentially reflects a broader trend of political realignment and the fluidity of party allegiances in Nigeria’s dynamic political landscape.
Okafor’s exit underscores the challenges faced by opposition parties in Nigeria. Internal divisions, coupled with the perceived strength of the ruling party, can create a difficult environment for these parties to thrive. The ability to consolidate support, manage internal conflicts, and present a united front is crucial for any political party hoping to challenge the status quo. The LP’s experience serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the importance of internal cohesion and effective leadership in achieving political success. The long-term impact of Okafor’s departure and the ongoing leadership crisis remains to be seen, but it undoubtedly poses a significant challenge to the LP’s future prospects.
