The recent general election has concluded, marking the end of a significant political chapter.
The electoral journey commenced with the presidential and National Assembly elections on February 25, 2023, culminating in the victory of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate and former governor of Lagos State.
The runners-up were former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Governor of Anambra State Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP).
The elections, noted for their keen competition, involved four major candidates across party lines, a departure from the usual two-horse race. The LP, led by Peter Obi, emerged as a surprising third force, challenging the established political landscape.
While the LP succeeded in securing one governorship position in Abia State, it faced challenges in expanding its influence at the state level.
However, in the National Assembly elections on February 25, the LP demonstrated notable progress, securing six Senators and 34 House of Representatives seats.
This marked a significant improvement from the party’s performance in the 2019 elections when it failed to secure any seats in the National Assembly.
Despite its strides in the 2023 elections, the LP’s success did not extend to off-season elections in Kogi, Imo, and Bayelsa States, raising questions about the party’s ability to maintain its momentum.
Peter Obi’s entrance into the race transformed the political landscape, creating a new Third Force in Nigeria’s political sphere. Although Obi, at 61, lost the presidential election, he secured victories in 11 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), making a significant impact in Lagos and other former strongholds of dominant parties.
The LP, historically a fringe party, gained unprecedented popularity in the 2023 elections, driven by what many describe as the “Peter Obi phenomenon.”
The party’s success in the red and green chambers is attributed to the overwhelming support from youths, known as ‘Obidients,’ and the broader working class disenchanted with mainstream politics.
However, visible cracks have emerged within the LP, raising concerns about its internal cohesion.
The party’s response to the proposed procurement of official vehicles for lawmakers revealed divisions, with some lawmakers expressing intent to accept the vehicles, emphasizing their importance as work tools.
Internal power struggles and defections, such as the alleged collapse of the LP structure in the Southwest into the APC, further indicate challenges for the party.
The party’s national chairman condemned the award of official vehicles, highlighting ideological differences within the LP.
As the LP faces internal conflicts and potential defections, questions arise about its sustainability and the role of Peter Obi in its future. Obi’s history of party hopping raises uncertainties about his commitment to the LP’s leadership, especially considering his hinted interest in the 2027 elections.
While Peter Obi is seen as a messiah for the masses, the challenges of internal strife, defections, and party loyalty cast a shadow on the Labour Party’s future.
As the LP navigates the complex terrain of Nigerian politics, the next four years will be crucial in determining how far the party can go under the leadership of Peter Obi.
