The Chairman of the Labour Party (LP) in Enugu State, Barrister Casmir Agbo, has accused the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, of attempting to take control of the party. Speaking on Enugu’s Dream FM’s ‘Political Voices’ on Monday, Agbo urged Obi and Otti to prioritize peace and unity within the party by reconciling its factions and working towards a truce. He also criticized Obi for acting unconstitutionally by convening a meeting of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party.

Agbo asserted that Obi, as a member of the LP, had no right to convene an NWC meeting. He pointed out that only the national chairman or, in their absence, the party’s secretary with the chairman’s approval, has the constitutional authority to call such a meeting. In this context, Agbo questioned Obi’s role in the LP, stating that Obi had no legitimate position to assume such powers, comparing it to whether former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar could call a PDP NEC meeting. He argued that Obi, having left the PDP due to internal conflicts, had no authority to attempt similar actions within the LP.

On the recent Supreme Court ruling that declared the tenure of the Julius Abure-led LP Exco had expired, Agbo clarified that the ruling had directed the party to resolve leadership issues internally. He suggested that if Abure was stepping down, it should be done through the NEC’s decision. He expressed frustration with Obi and Otti, accusing them of stirring unnecessary controversy. Agbo emphasized that both politicians had initially joined the LP seeking support, and if they were unwilling to contribute to the party’s peace, they should leave.

Agbo also criticized Obi’s management of the LP during the 2023 presidential election, highlighting his failure to address critical logistical issues, such as providing vehicles and office spaces for the party in various states. He explained that despite assurances from Obi, these promises were not fulfilled, leading to significant disappointment among party members, especially during a meeting in Asaba.

Regarding the LP’s future prospects in Enugu State, Agbo lamented the defection of several key members, including Hon. Chijioke Edeoga, to the PDP. He revealed that the LP no longer had an office in Enugu, as the rent had expired and was last paid by Edeoga. He described Edeoga’s departure as a significant loss for the party, calling it the loss of an “Iroko” tree in the political landscape of the state.