Former Director-General of Peter Obi’s Presidential Campaign Organisation, Doyin Okupe, has attributed the wave of defections from the Labour Party party to its failure to establish a sustainable structure after the 2023 elections.
Henzodaily recalls that six LP lawmakers recently defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on the floor of the House of Representatives.
These lawmakers include Rep. Tochukwu Chinedu Okere (Imo), Rep. Donatus Matthew (Kaduna), Rep. Akiba Bassey (Cross River), and Rep. Esosa Iyawe (Edo).
In an interview with journalists in Lagos State on Sunday, Okupe noted that the Labour Party’s current challenges have left elected members seeking political relevance and survival elsewhere.
Okupe explained that the defections were predictable, as many elected officials would not remain in a party with uncertain prospects.
The former Labour Party chieftain also cited Peter Obi’s recent meeting with opposition leaders, including the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, in Adamawa as a sign of open-ended options and possible exit from the party.
He said, “The Labour Party has historically been a fallback option for those unable to secure tickets in major parties. That was how we joined initially, and our presence boosted its fortunes.
“National Assembly members elected under the LP banner know their chances of returning in 2027 are slim without strong party structures. To secure their political future, they are aligning with more established parties.
“What does Obi’s meeting with Atiku tell you? It suggests that all options are on the table. Labour Party followers are not blind.”
Okupe further criticised the party leadership and Peter Obi for neglecting to develop a political structure after the election.
He added, “The Labour Party is not building or investing in structures. This failure is driving people away, and it will continue.”