Labour Party Structures Expected to Follow Peter Obi to ADC — Rivers LP Faction Chair

The Chairman of the Nenadi Usman-led faction of the Labour Party (LP) in Rivers State, Gogo Wellington, has said that party structures and organs across the country are expected to join the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Wellington disclosed this following Obi’s defection from the Labour Party to the ADC on Wednesday, alongside some LP stalwarts from the South-East.

The defection took place in Enugu State.

Speaking with InfoStride News correspondent, Ifunanya Obeme-Ndukwe, Wellington said the Labour Party had been actively involved in opposition coalition talks, which he noted had now been concluded.

According to him, the outcome of those discussions informed Obi’s decision to move to the ADC.

“The Labour Party, as it were, has been a part of the coalition discussions, and as it is right now, those discussions have been concluded.

“That is what led to the movement of our principal, His Excellency, Peter Obi, formally into the ADC.

“It is expected also that the organs of the party across the various states will do likewise,” he said.

Although he did not give a specific timeline for when other party structures would formally defect, Wellington said the process would be completed within a short period.

Addressing concerns over Obi’s defection to another political platform, Wellington, who also leads the Obedient Movement in Rivers State, attributed the move to unresolved internal crises within the Labour Party.

He explained that Obi and his supporters were focused on securing a viable platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Wellington expressed confidence in Obi’s ability to secure the ADC’s presidential ticket, but added that even if that does not happen, the overriding objective of his supporters remains the rescue of Nigeria from its current challenges.

He further stated that following Obi’s exit, his supporters no longer have any political stake in the Labour Party.

“We are all very much aware of the challenges that have bedevilled our principal’s political pursuit in the Labour Party,” he said.

“We have seen that elements of destruction have sown their seeds within the Labour Party, and that is what has led to the challenges we have experienced for over a year now.

“So for His Excellency to have initiated conversations with members of the coalition from other political parties was a welcome development, because we were looking for a viable platform to pursue the 2027 electoral contest.

“As it stands right now, we are not worried or perturbed. We believe we have the capacity to take the ticket, and even if it does not come to us, what is most important is rescuing Nigeria from the current situation.

“So if our leader has decided to move to the ADC, we see no reason to stay behind,” Wellington added.