“LP will no Longer be a Special Purpose Vehicle for Politicians in Transit” – Peter Obi Warns at NEC Meeting

Former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi has issued a strong message to politicians using the party for personal gain, stating that the LP will no longer function as a “special purpose vehicle” (SPV) for those merely passing through in pursuit of political ambitions.

Obi made the remarks on Wednesday during the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting and expanded stakeholders’ summit at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja. Addressing party leaders and members, he stressed that the Labour Party must now stand as a platform rooted in ideology, integrity, and long-term commitment—not as a temporary shelter for political opportunists.

“Labour Party is not a special purpose vehicle for politicians in transit,” Obi declared, addressing growing concerns over individuals who join the party solely to contest elections without aligning with its values or contributing to its development.

Obi, who joined the LP from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2023 elections, acknowledged that some candidates in the past, including himself, had used the LP as a fallback platform. However, he said the party was now taking a different path—one that prioritizes grassroots rebuilding, credible leadership, and ideological clarity.

He announced that moving forward, only dedicated and competent members will be allowed to contest on the LP platform. “Anyone seeking to contest under our party must be a committed member, not just someone passing through. They must be competent,” he said. “Let’s do the right thing, from ward to local government to state to national level—everybody is free to contest, but it must be transparent and merit-based.”

Obi reaffirmed his commitment to the party amid speculation about his political future, saying, “I have never told anyone I’m leaving the party.”

His comments come after Doyin Okupe, the late former Director-General of the Obi-Datti campaign, publicly admitted that he and Obi had used the Labour Party as an SPV after abruptly leaving the PDP ahead of the 2023 polls. Okupe cited ideological differences as the reason for his eventual departure from the party.

Obi, however, made it clear that the Labour Party is turning a new page—one where its candidates and leaders must not only reflect its values but be prepared to build with it from the ground up.