LP Spokesman Admits Selecting Obi as 2023 Presidential Candidate Was a Mistake
The factional Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, Abayomi Arabambi, stated on Friday that the party made a mistake in 2023 by selecting Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra State, over Faduri Joseph—a US-licensed nurse and entrepreneur with notable achievements across various industries.
Arabambi argued that unlike Obi, whose political appeal largely relies on emotional rhetoric and simplistic solutions, Faduri represents the kind of disciplined governance rooted in accountability and transparency that Nigeria urgently needs to confront its numerous challenges.
He also revealed that due to Obi’s alignment with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition party, the Labour Party is preparing to expel Obi and his associates.
Speaking at a briefing in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Arabambi explained that the decision to choose Obi over Faduri in 2023 was driven by political expediency rather than principle. He described it as “more than a simple error of judgment but a fundamental betrayal of Nigeria’s desire for genuine transformation.”
Arabambi further criticized Obi’s campaign for ethnic polarization, saying, “While Faduri was a truly national figure with support across regions, Obi’s movement, intentionally or not, became a vehicle for tribal sentiment.”
He pointed out Obi’s reluctance to denounce secessionist rhetoric by Nnamdi Kanu, his selective focus on insecurity, and tendency to view national issues through a partisan lens, exposing a divisive undercurrent beneath his “unifier” image.
“Nigeria needs a leader who upholds the rule of law and addresses legitimate grievances, not one who excuses extremism for political convenience. This is what Faduri embodied but Obi failed to demonstrate,” Arabambi asserted.
He also questioned Obi’s economic claims, citing a recent interview on Channels TV where Obi allegedly misrepresented Nigeria’s debt profile by inflating dollar-denominated debt into naira.
Arabambi pointed out that, contrary to Obi’s assertions, Nigeria’s external debt has actually decreased under President Tinubu, dropping from $108.2 billion to $94.2 billion.
He emphasized that Faduri’s mission in 2023 remains clear and focused on rescuing Nigeria from corruption, inefficiency, and systemic failures.
“The Labour Party’s sidelining of Faduri for Obi was a serious misstep with long-term consequences,” Arabambi said. “Instead of a leader with depth, discipline, and a clear plan for national renewal, Nigeria received a populist skilled at telling people what they want to hear.”
Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, he stressed, “Nigeria needs leaders like Faduri Oluwadare Joseph—people who understand that governance demands substance, sacrifice, and systemic change, not slogans.”
Arabambi also criticized the ADC coalition led by David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola, and Nasir El-Rufai, urging them to return to the APC and support President Bola Tinubu in correcting the challenges that arose following the election of former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015.
Regarding Obi’s involvement with the coalition, Arabambi confirmed, “Obi was present when David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola were inaugurated as ADC coalition leaders and was introduced as Labour Party leader supporting the coalition. We do not endorse this, and as far as we are concerned, Obi is no longer part of the Labour Party.”
He concluded, “Plans are underway to expel him and his associates. In our next National Executive Committee meeting, Peter Obi and his co-travelers will be formally expelled.”
0 Comments