As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, the Labour Party (LP), once buoyed by significant national support, appears to be losing traction and membership strength.
When the National Assembly members were sworn in on June 13, 2023, LP held the third-largest caucus with 34 members in the House of Representatives and eight senators, trailing only the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The “Peter Obi effect” had transformed the previously little-known party into a political force, especially in the Southeast, South-South, North-Central, and Lagos, where many LP lawmakers benefited from a top-to-bottom voting pattern driven by Obi’s popularity.
However, 18 months later, LP’s National Assembly representation is rapidly shrinking due to court rulings, defections, and internal strife. Four members—Senator Darlington Nwakocha and Representatives Stainless Nwodo, Emeka Nnamani, and Chijioke Okereke—were removed by court decisions, while six House members defected to the APC in the past 10 days alone.
Recent defections include Chinedu Okere (Imo), Mathew Donatus (Kaduna), Akiba Bassey (Cross River), Esosa Iyawe (Edo), Dalyop Chollom, and Alfred Ajang (Plateau). Earlier, Senator Ezenwa Onyewuchi also left LP for the APC in July.
Quiet Defections and Constitutional Maneuvering
Reports suggest that some lawmakers have defected without formal announcements in the House, avoiding penalties under Section 68(g) of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates that defectors’ seats be declared vacant unless the party is divided. For example, Thaddeus Atta was recently seen wearing a cap branded with President Tinubu’s logo, sparking rumors of his alignment with the APC.
LP is grappling with an internal leadership crisis between the faction led by National Chairman Julius Abure and another faction aligned with Governor Alex Otti of Abia State.
Party’s Reaction and Legal Action
The Abure-led National Working Committee (NWC) condemned the defections and announced plans to sue the defecting lawmakers, demanding the return of all salaries and benefits they have received since their departure.
“These defections are unfortunate and condemnable. Politicians who abandon their constituents during critical times expose themselves as untrustworthy,” stated Obiora Ifoh, the party’s spokesperson.
George Ozodinobi, head of the Labour Party caucus in the House, warned defectors of consequences during the 2027 elections:
“We look forward to meeting them again in 2027, if they have the opportunity to be here,” he said.
Uncertain Future
The Labour Party’s future remains uncertain amidst rumors of Peter Obi’s possible departure to the PDP, fueled by his recent meeting with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Many party members are concerned about the leadership crisis and the party’s declining influence.
Shrinking Representation
Defections and court rulings have reduced LP’s representation in the National Assembly to six senators and 26 House members, down from an initial total of 42. If the trend continues, LP risks being overtaken by the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), which currently holds 22 seats.
The Labour Party’s rapid decline underscores the challenges it faces in maintaining its position as a significant political force heading into the next election cycle.