“Obi rode on Labour Party structure; party remains strong without him” — Vice Chairman

The National Vice Chairman of the Labour Party, Ceekay Igara, has said recent defections to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) do not pose a threat to the party’s prospects ahead of the 2027 elections.

Speaking on Arise TV, Igara argued that the party’s performance in the 2023 general elections was driven by its institutional strength rather than the personal appeal of its former presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

He acknowledged Obi’s role in raising the party’s profile but maintained that voters were drawn to the Labour Party after assessing its structure among the 19 parties that contested the election.

Igara also disclosed that Obi’s emergence as the party’s candidate followed internal resistance. According to him, several aspirants initially opposed Obi’s candidacy due to his recent entry into the party, and it required intervention from the national leadership to secure consensus.

On the surge of youth support during the 2023 elections, Igara linked it to broader civic engagement, particularly the EndSARS protests. He said the movement aligned with the Labour Party based on prior groundwork, which helped transform support into a nationwide political wave.

Addressing reports of Obi’s alignment with another platform, Igara said the durability of that support remains to be tested outside the Labour Party.

He added that the party is focused on strengthening its base ahead of the next election cycle, noting that enthusiasm alone is not enough without measurable electoral victories.

The comments come as opposition parties adjust strategies and alliances in preparation for the 2027 general elections.