Peter Obi alliance risks highlighted by Labour Party chairman Julius Abure, who warns NDC leaders against repeating past mistakes

The National Chairman of the Labour Party, Julius Abure, has cautioned leaders of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) against what he described as the political risks of aligning too closely with former Anambra State governor Peter Obi and his supporters.

Also read: Abure defies INEC as Labour secretariat row worsens

In a statement issued on Monday, Abure specifically advised the leadership of the NDC under Seriake Dickson to avoid surrendering control of party structures and elective positions to Obi’s political camp.

According to the Labour Party chairman, the NDC leadership’s reported refusal to grant all requests relating to party positions sought by Obi’s supporters was a prudent decision that could help preserve internal party balance and stability.

Abure argued that the Labour Party’s experience following the 2023 general elections should serve as a lesson for other political parties seeking alliances with influential political figures and their supporters.

He alleged that several politicians who secured elective positions on the Labour Party platform later became involved in leadership disputes rather than contributing to the party’s growth and institutional development.

The Labour Party chairman claimed that many elected officials who benefited from the party’s support subsequently aligned themselves with Obi and pursued efforts to challenge the party’s leadership structure.

According to Abure, the Labour Party made significant sacrifices during the 2022 and 2023 electoral cycle by accommodating the interests of Obi and his supporters, including facilitating access to party tickets for many candidates.

He maintained that those decisions were taken in the expectation that beneficiaries would help strengthen the party after assuming office.

Abure further alleged that elected officials associated with Obi later sought control of party structures from the ward level to the national leadership, creating tensions that weakened the party.

He also accused Alex Otti and Obi of attempting to take over the party’s leadership following disagreements over internal governance.

The Labour Party chairman said the NDC leadership appeared to have drawn lessons from those developments and was taking steps to ensure that its own party structures remained balanced and independent.

Abure argued that no political party leader who observed the Labour Party’s recent challenges would willingly relinquish full control of party offices or organisational structures to a single political bloc.

He said maintaining a mix of loyal party members and new entrants within leadership positions would help ensure institutional stability and provide support for party leaders during periods of political disagreement.

The Labour Party chairman explained that his intervention followed questions from political observers regarding how the party managed its relationship with Obi and his supporters during the 2022 and 2023 election cycle.

Abure reiterated that political parties must prioritise long-term institutional growth over short-term electoral gains, warning that failure to do so could create future leadership conflicts.

The comments come amid ongoing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, with several opposition parties exploring alliances, mergers and coalition arrangements aimed at strengthening their electoral prospects.