By: Bayero Ade
Doyin Okupe, former Director-General of the Peter Obi Presidential Campaign Organisation, has attributed the recent wave of defections from the Labour Party to the party’s failure to build a sustainable political structure following the 2023 elections.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday, Okupe, who was once a key figure in the Labour Party, discussed the challenges facing the party, particularly its inability to offer a clear political future for its National Assembly members. According to Okupe, the party’s lack of infrastructure has contributed to the departure of several lawmakers.
His comments follow the recent defection of six lawmakers, including Representatives Tochukwu Chinedu Okere (Imo), Donatus Matthew (Kaduna), Akiba Bassey (Cross River), and Esosa Iyawe (Edo), to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Okupe pointed out that such defections were inevitable as lawmakers cannot stay in a party without a defined future.
“The Labour Party was mainly a platform for those who couldn’t secure tickets from the major parties. Our involvement helped elevate the party, but the leadership, including the presidential candidate, failed to build a lasting political structure,” Okupe said. “The National Assembly members on the LP platform know their political future is uncertain. Even if they can’t return, they will align with bigger parties to ensure their survival.”
Okupe warned that the trend of defections will likely continue as the Labour Party has not shown any interest in building the necessary structures to sustain its political relevance. He also noted that the party’s rise in 2023, particularly in the South West, will not be easily replicated in 2027.
“People are seeking political success, but the Labour Party is not ready to invest in infrastructure. This is why we are seeing defections,” Okupe added.
Hinting at a possible change in Peter Obi’s political affiliation, Okupe revealed that Obi had recently met with opposition leaders, including Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). “Obi was in Adamawa with Atiku. That shows he is considering all options, and the Labour Party members are aware of this,” Okupe concluded.
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