How Obi’s Alleged Betrayal and Backing of Consensus Candidate Pushed Obaze Out of Labour Party

Peter Obi’s behind-the-scenes role in the Labour Party’s Anambra governorship primary has emerged as the tipping point in the resignation of his long-time ally and former campaign strategist, Oseloka Obaze. While Obaze officially cited irregularities in the party’s April 5 primary election, multiple credible sources say his departure was rooted in what he perceived as a betrayal by Obi and the subversion of internal party democracy.

Obaze, a former Secretary to the Anambra State Government and seasoned United Nations diplomat, had worked closely with Obi for over a decade. He joined the Labour Party alongside Obi and played a central role in his 2023 presidential campaign. His sudden exit marks a significant blow to the cohesion of Obi’s political circle and raises questions about the party’s internal leadership dynamics.

The immediate cause of Obaze’s resignation was the emergence of George Moghalu as the Labour Party’s governorship candidate in Anambra. Moghalu, a former APC chieftain and ex-Director-General of the National Inland Waterways Authority, joined the LP in late 2024. Despite his recent entry, he was declared the consensus candidate under what sources describe as a manipulated and opaque process. No delegates’ congress was held, and other aspirants were effectively sidelined.

According to those familiar with the internal workings of the party, Obaze had directly approached Obi several times to seek clarification about his role in the primaries. Obi, they say, assured him of neutrality and denied backing any candidate. Based on those assurances, Obaze agreed to chair the campaign organisation of one of the aspirants, John Nwosu.

However, on the eve of the primary, Obaze reportedly discovered that plans had long been in motion to install Moghalu as the party’s flagbearer, with Obi’s tacit approval. This, sources say, was the final straw. Feeling deceived and unable to reconcile the party’s actions with his democratic principles, Obaze tendered his resignation in a letter addressed to the Labour Party chairman in his local ward in Ogbaru, Anambra State.

In the letter, Obaze described the process as “fraught with outright irregularities, bordering on fraud and criminality” and stated that it violated both the constitution and core values of the party. He emphasized that his resignation was not only a protest against the flawed process but also a necessary act to preserve his personal integrity.

“The most painful part that led Obaze to sever ties with Peter Obi and resign was the complete lack of internal democracy in the Labour Party’s governorship primary,” one source noted. “There was no delegates’ congress, and the process itself was a farce. Moghalu emerged unopposed in a rigged exercise, with Peter Obi’s active involvement.”

Obaze’s departure follows a wave of defections in the Labour Party, especially in the Southeast. In Enugu, Titus Odo and Emeka Mamah recently left the party for the PDP, and lawmakers in the state assembly have also defected. The trend points to growing unrest within the party’s ranks and disillusionment with its leadership.

Observers say Obaze’s exit is not merely the loss of a respected party figure—it is a warning sign for Peter Obi. The man who once urged Obaze to leave the United Nations and join his administration in Anambra now faces mounting criticism over his handling of internal party affairs. Political analysts suggest Obi must reconcile his reformist image with a leadership style that truly reflects democratic ideals if he hopes to maintain credibility heading into future elections.