Dr. Doyin Okupe, former Director-General of Peter Obi’s Presidential Campaign Organisation and erstwhile Labour Party (LP) chieftain, has attributed the wave of defections from the party to its failure to establish a sustainable structure following the 2023 elections.
Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Sunday, Okupe noted that the Labour Party’s current challenges have left elected members seeking political relevance and survival elsewhere.
NAN reports 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).
Additionally, a significant number of ordinary party members have also left for the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in recent weeks.
Okupe explained that the defections were predictable, as many elected officials would not remain in a party with uncertain prospects.
“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,” Okupe said.
He criticised the party leadership and its 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, for neglecting to develop a political structure after the election.
“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,” Okupe added.
Reflecting on the 2023 election, Okupe stated that the Obedient Movement’s popularity created favourable conditions for Labour Party candidates.
However, he argued that the circumstances in 2027 would be markedly different, particularly in regions like the South-West.
“The Labour Party is not building or investing in structures. This failure is driving people away, and it will continue,” Okupe said.
Okupe further hinted at the possibility of Peter Obi, the LP’s 2023 presidential candidate, leaving the party.
He pointed to Obi’s recent meeting with opposition leaders, including Atiku Abubakar in Adamawa, as a sign of open-ended options.
“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 remarked.
