In a recent interview, the embattled chairman of the Labour Party (LP), Julius Abure, stated that he could not openly confirm the discussions from a recent meeting because Peter Obi, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, had not yet briefed him.
The Abure-led faction of the LP mentioned that Obi has yet to disclose the outcomes of his recent meetings with some political allies in Abuja.
The media had been filled with reports and viral photographs of Obi’s closed-door meeting on Monday with three prominent members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP): former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Governor of Jigawa State Sule Lamido, and former Senate President Bukola Saraki.
This engagement marked Obi’s first interaction with his former political allies since he left the PDP for the LP in May 2022. Abure emphasized that the party had no concerns about these meetings causing instability within their camp.
He stressed that Obi was free to associate with friends and associates from various political parties across the country.
Speaking with the PUNCH, Abure commented, “It is difficult to confirm anything at this stage until we understand the nature and implications of the alliance.
I am still waiting for Obi to discuss it with me. Regardless, we are fine with it. If the alliance leads to a better country, why wouldn’t we support it?
“It is in Obi’s nature to visit people, regardless of their political affiliation. He has many friends across party lines. Recall that he once visited Wole Soyinka as well.
Therefore, I see his meeting with Atiku as just another visit, which may not necessarily have political implications.”
When asked whether he would support a potential alliance between the PDP and the LP ahead of the 2027 presidential election, Abure said it wasn’t his decision to make.
