“Picking Peter Obi in 2023 was a costly mistake” – Labour Party laments
A faction of the Labour Party (LP) has openly expressed regret over its decision to field Peter Obi as the party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, describing the move as a “costly mistake.”
Speaking in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Friday, Abayomi Arabambi, the factional National Publicity Secretary of the party, said the LP sacrificed competence and national appeal for mere popularity by selecting Obi over Faduri Oluwadare Joseph—a professional nurse and political figure he described as disciplined, visionary, and truly national.
“It was a betrayal of Nigeria’s genuine quest for transformation,” Arabambi said. “Instead of presenting Nigerians a disciplined, well-prepared leader with a clear blueprint for national renewal, we offered them a populist who excelled at telling people what they wanted to hear.”
He accused the party of prioritizing popularity over character and national interest, insisting that Oluwadare had a broader national outlook and a stronger leadership vision, which the country needed more than hype.
According to Arabambi, the 2023 election served as a major lesson for the party, and he emphasized that such a mistake would not be repeated as preparations begin for the 2027 general election.
Arabambi further criticized Obi’s campaign, claiming it promoted ethnic sentiment and deepened regional divisions in the country.
“Perhaps the most damning indictment of Obi’s candidacy is his ethnic polarisation that shadowed his campaign,” he stated. “While Faduri stood as a truly national figure, Obi’s movement, intentionally or not, became a vehicle for tribal sentiment.”
He also faulted Obi for his silence on sensitive national issues, including the activities of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
He alleged that Obi only expressed outrage selectively, depending on what suited his political agenda.
Looking ahead, Arabambi assured Nigerians that his faction of the Labour Party is committed to correcting past errors and would focus on merit, unity, and visionary leadership as it prepares for the next general election.