Lagos LP chair warns Obi’s influence declining

The political influence of Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s (LP) 2023 presidential candidate, is rapidly declining, warns Dayo Ekong, the Lagos State chairperson of the LP, 2025-08-20.

 In a strongly worded statement made public on Tuesday via her official X handle, Ekong urged Obi to “pause and reflect” on the consequences of his divisive and inconsistent political tactics.

 Which have eroded the support that once buoyed his rise in Nigerian politics.

The Rise and Fall of Peter Obi

During the 2023 elections, Peter Obi was more than just a charismatic figure.

His profile was the result of a fruitful combination of party machinery.

Grassroots mobilization, and a widespread hunger among Nigerians for genuine change. 

Nigerians overwhelmingly rallied behind him as a fresh alternative to the entrenched political order. 

This “grace,” as Ekong describes it, was a mix of divine favor and collective support.

Stemming from a convergence of factors that elevated Obi’s campaign and garnered millions of votes.

Especially among youth and disillusioned voters.

However, this political grace is rapidly fading. 

Ekong criticized Obi’s recent actions, calling them divisive and inconsistent.

And accused him of making strategic missteps that have precipitated his rapid decline in political relevance. 

She denounced Obi’s current political behavior as erratic and self-serving, actions which alienate former supporters and allies alike.

Failed Endorsements and Growing Political Irrelevance

Ekong did not mince words, citing precisely how Obi’s endorsements have failed to translate into electoral victories. 

She pointed to the 2024 Edo State governorship election where Obi campaigned ardently for Olumide Akpata, the LP candidate. 

Instead of uniting his party, Obi’s backing of Akpata went against the preference of the party’s National Working Committee, exacerbating internal factionalism. 

Despite vigorous rallies and endorsements by Obi, Akpata suffered a crushing defeat to the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Monday Okpebholo.

Similarly, in the 2023 Imo State governorship race, Obi supported Senator Athan Achonu.

Yet Achonu was soundly defeated by the incumbent APC governor, Hope Uzodimma. 

This string of losses significantly undermines the belief that Obi’s endorsement is a winning card. 

According to Ekong, these back-to-back failures should be a wake-up call questioning Obi’s political strategy.

And whether he still possesses the transformative appeal that once electrified Nigerian politics.

The Embarrassing By-Election Shift in Anambra

Perhaps the most controversial and damaging episode unfolded during the recent Anambra State by-elections, ironically Obi’s own political stronghold. 

In a bewildering move, Obi abandoned the Labour Party candidate to endorse Justina Azuka of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Even wearing ADC-branded apparel during the campaign. 

This blatant party disloyalty confused and alienated his supporters.

The election results were humiliating. APC-supported All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) won decisively with 7,774 votes.

While ADC scrambled for a mere 1,909 votes and LP did even worse. 

This outcome starkly exposed Obi’s diminished political capital in his own backyard and called into question his loyalty and judgment. 

Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra described the results as the “death” of both ADC and Labour Party in the state a biting condemnation that underscores Obi’s rapid fall from grace.

Disunity and Dysfunction: The LP’s Internal Struggles

Ekong did not spare Obi from criticism concerning his continual acrimony toward Labour Party’s leadership. 

She described his political alliances and maneuvers as prioritizing personal interests over party unity, weakening the very movement he once championed. 

Her statement warned that Obi has surrounded himself with questionable allies and that his reckless political gambits risk turning the Labour Party into a house divided.

She starkly reminded Obi and his supporters that while they criticized other politicians for opportunistic behavior.

They appear blind to Obi’s own factional antics involving LP and ADC that are causing widespread disillusionment. 

The electorate is watching closely, and their patience is wearing thin as they prepare for the 2027 elections.

Call to Pause and Reflect

In closing, Ekong made an urgent plea for Obi to reassess his political path. 

She urged him to consider whether he still enjoys the “grace” and public trust that powered his 2023 campaign. 

And questioned why parties he aligned with, like ADC, fared so poorly while APGA, unassociated with him, prevailed. 

She implored Obi to set aside his conflicts with the Labour Party leadership and focus on restoring trust and cohesion within the party.

Ekong’s sobering reflection warns that if Obi continues on his current course, he risks not only further political isolation but also the irreversible fragmentation of the Labour Party’s vision. 

The party, she emphasized, remains committed to equity, justice, and progress for Nigerians but requires leaders who put the collective interest above individual ambitions.