Valentine Ozigbo, a former governorship candidate in Anambra State and a close political ally of Peter Obi, has cast doubt on the long-term viability of the Labour Party (LP), suggesting that Obi may not run for president under its platform in the 2027 elections.
Ozigbo, who recently defected from the LP to the All Progressives Congress (APC), shared his views during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today.
During the discussion, Ozigbo openly questioned the LP’s sustainability, stating, “I don’t see a future for the Labour Party. I’m happy to live with that assertion, and I would like to be proven wrong.”
He also speculated about Obi’s next political move, pointing out the former Anambra governor’s history of switching parties.
“Peter Obi, that we are talking about, also left ANPP for APGA, then PDP, and later the Labour Party, and I can almost guarantee that if he wishes to run for election, it’s not going to be under the Labour Party,” Ozigbo remarked.
However, he clarified that his statement was based on personal observations rather than direct confirmation from Obi.
Ozigbo’s political trajectory has seen multiple transitions. In 2022, he left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to support Obi’s presidential ambition under the LP.
However, on February 19, 2025, he formally announced his move to the APC, citing a commitment to broader developmental goals for Anambra State. In his resignation letter, Ozigbo noted that he had informed Obi of his decision out of respect for their political relationship.
Despite parting ways with the LP, Ozigbo maintains his connection to the Obidient movement, a political movement driven by Obi’s supporters. Addressing this, he stated, “I’m Obidient in the sense that I’m pursuing a cause of a better Nigeria.”
He further clarified that the movement is not exclusive to any single party. “Obidient isn’t Labour. Obidient has never been synonymous with Labour. There are Obidients that are not even in any party. There are Obidients in APC. There are Obidients in APGA. There are Obidients in Labour.”
Ozigbo’s remarks have sparked fresh conversations about the Labour Party’s future and Peter Obi’s potential political strategy ahead of the 2027 elections.
While Obi has yet to publicly disclose his next move, Ozigbo’s insights hint at the possibility of new political realignments in Nigeria’s electoral landscape.
The Labour Party gained widespread attention during the 2023 general elections when Obi ran as its presidential candidate, securing substantial support across various regions.
