Ikenna Azomchine, the head of the Obidient Network Advisory Council, has boldly declared that the Labour Party lacks political relevance without its leading figure, Peter Obi.
Speaking during an interview with Arise News on Wednesday, Azomchine stressed that Obi remains the soul of the party and the central figure around which its identity and ambitions revolve.
According to him, Obi’s presidential ambition is still very much alive, and Nigerians should be looking forward to giving him another chance after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu completes his term in office.
“We still have a real opportunity to offer Peter Obi a shot at the presidency after Tinubu’s four years,” Azomchine said.
Addressing the internal wrangling plaguing the Labour Party, he criticised the conduct of the party’s National Chairman, Julius Abure, alleging that Abure is being manipulated by unidentified powerful interests.
“We’ve yet to uncover the powerful forces—those big rats—who are influencing Julius Abure and dictating his actions within the Labour Party,” he stated.
Azomchine drew a clear line between the Labour Party and the Obidient movement, noting that Obi’s supporters transcend party lines. He explained that the movement is not confined to the Labour Party alone, as “Obidients” can be found in various political parties, including the PDP and APC.
“Let’s be clear—there’s a distinction between the Obidient movement and the Labour Party. Obidients are everywhere. They exist in APC, PDP, and across the political spectrum. Personally, I’m an Obidient from the PDP tradition,” he explained, referencing his past as PDP chairman in Belgium and former head of PDP International.
He emphasized that without Peter Obi, the Labour Party loses its significance.
“The Labour Party has no substance without Peter Obi. It is simply nothing without him.”
Recalling the internal politics that led to Obi’s departure from the PDP, Azomchine said he personally witnessed signs that key southeastern leaders were aligning with Atiku Abubakar rather than supporting Obi’s presidential bid.
“I saw it firsthand at a meeting in Abia Government House during Valentine Ozigbo’s governorship campaign. It became clear that many PDP leaders from the South East were already shifting towards Atiku. I asked myself—how can this be happening when Peter Obi is clearly the best candidate?”
On Nigeria’s current political trajectory, Azomchine said the focus should now be on evaluating President Tinubu’s performance. He stressed that as a southerner, he feels a sense of responsibility should Tinubu’s presidency fall short of expectations.
“This is a Southern presidency. If Tinubu fails, the embarrassment falls on all of us in the South. That’s why Nigerians must take this period seriously. If Tinubu doesn’t deliver after four years, we must be ready to give Peter Obi a real shot.”
He downplayed fears that the internal turmoil within the Labour Party could derail Obi’s political future, pointing out that the party’s current leadership is a product of Peter Obi’s goodwill, and the challenges are not insurmountable.
“Julius Abure wasn’t a household name before Obi’s involvement. Now, he’s issuing commands as if he owns the party. There was even a convention in Nnewi where Peter Obi didn’t show up, yet they proceeded confidently. That tells you everything you need to know.”
Azomchine concluded by reiterating the strength and resolve of the Obidient movement and its readiness to support Obi regardless of party structures or internal conflicts.
