Former Labour Party governorship candidate Valentine Ozigbo explained his dramatic split from Peter Obi, citing strategic political shifts toward All Progressives Congress opportunities.
Ozigbo highlighted irreconcilable differences in vision and direction that prompted ending the relationship after intense deliberations on future electoral prospects.
This high-profile defection signals deepening Labour Party fractures, boosting APC’s opposition recruitment ahead of critical national contests.
According to reports, Ozigbo, a businessman and politician spoke on his decision during an interview with Symfoni TV.
His move to the APC came as a surprise to many people because he had long been seen as a close associate of Obi.
About Valentine Chineto Ozigbo
“Valentine Chineto Ozigbo is a Nigerian politician and business executive.
He is the immediate past President and Chief Executive Officer of Transnational Corporation of Nigeria plc (Transcorp), a diversified conglomerate with strategic investments and core interests in the hospitality, agribusiness and energy sectors.
And he was appointed to the position in 2019.
He also worked in the banking sector, gaining over 17 years of experience with NAL Merchant Bank, Diamond Bank, Continental Trust Bank, FSB International Bank, Standard Trust Bank, United Bank for Africa and Bank PHB.
Ozigbo has professional qualifications in accounting (The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria) which he obtained in 1998, Taxation (The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria) gotten in 2000 and Credit Administration (Institute of Credit Administration) which he bagged in 2015.
He is a fellow of all these three institutions.
Ozigbo Voices Labour Party Treatment Discontent
During the revealing interview, Valentine Ozigbo expressed deep unhappiness with his treatment inside the Labour Party structure.
He detailed experiences of marginalization and lack of appreciation despite significant contributions to party campaigns and growth initiatives.
This dissatisfaction accelerated his decisive move away from Peter Obi toward All Progressives Congress opportunities strategically.
According to him, the experience made him reconsider his political direction and his continued relationship with some members of the party.
Ozigbo Rejects Unserious Political Allies
Valentine Ozigbo explained he refuses wasting time around people lacking seriousness about genuine political work and meaningful progress.
This feeling, he said, contributed to his decision to step away from the political circle around Obi.
“I don’t want to waste my time with unserious people. Even though I’m not a proponent of APC’s approaches, I’m better off fighting from the inside.
Peter Obi lacks basic leadership traits. He threw me under the bus”, he stated.
Ozigbo Joins APC Without Full Endorsement
He maintains strategic distance from full party alignment, prioritizing personal political objectives over blind loyalty commitments.
This nuanced position reflects calculated defection balancing opportunities against ideological differences within Nigeria’s ruling platform.
However, he believes being part of the ruling party gives him a chance to work within the system and push for change from inside rather than remaining outside.
