The Labour Party has admitted that the exit of its former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, dealt a major blow to the party’s structure and political influence ahead of the 2027 elections.
The party’s National Spokesman, Ken Asogwa, made the disclosure during an interview on Channels Television on Monday, describing Obi as a “colossus” whose popularity greatly strengthened the party nationwide.
Labour Party speaks on Obi’s departure
According to Asogwa, the party was aware for months that Obi was preparing to leave before his eventual exit at the end of 2025.
“We lost a colossus within the party, but the party envisaged it. Remember that before his departure, the rumour was already out there that he was leaving, and he eventually left on December 31, 2025,” he said.
He admitted that the Labour Party could not pretend Obi’s departure had no impact on its political fortunes.
Obi’s political movement continues to spark reactions
Peter Obi, a former governor of Anambra State and Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, officially dumped the party for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on December 31, 2025.
However, political developments later shifted again after Obi reportedly left the ADC in April 2026 to join the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
Reports indicated that unresolved internal crises and disagreements within the ADC influenced his decision to leave the party.
Obi’s repeated political realignments have continued to generate discussions across Nigeria’s political space, especially among young voters and urban supporters who strongly backed him during the 2023 presidential election.
Party begins rebuilding process
Despite acknowledging the setback caused by Obi’s exit, Asogwa maintained that the Labour Party has already started restructuring efforts to remain competitive.
According to him, party leaders have gone back to the drawing board to strengthen internal structures and reposition the party ahead of future elections.
He expressed confidence that the Labour Party would recover and remain relevant despite losing one of its biggest political figures.
