NewStats: 3,261,339 , 8,173,716 topics. Date: Wednesday, 28 May 2025 at 09:12 PM 4e2a2f

The Rise And Rise Of Labour Party And Peter Obi's Tremendous Chances For President Maters Arising By Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah

Nigerians will go to the polls in around 8 months and 13 days, which translates to 258 calendar days, to elect their preferred presidential candidate who will steer the ship of the nation for the next four years.

Nigeria is a middle-income country with a diverse economy and a rising market. Its manufacturing, service, financial, technological, communications, and entertainment areas are growing. Nonetheless, the country is currently dealing with severe economic challenges.

Security concerns, health-care troubles, an epileptic electrical supply, a rapidly disintegrating educational system, and a myriad of other social and economic maladies have pushed voters to seek ways to elect a government that is responsive to citizens' demands.

Because of the monopolistic structure of only two leading parties, the APC and the PDP, the political system has made it herculean for the people to have their choice leaders over the years. The implications of this are that whatever candidates the two biggest parties present for Nigerians, there is little or no choice for an alternative.

Because of the domineering power of these two political parties, it is even more difficult for revolutionaries to take over the leadership of the parties or provide qualified and capable hands to the electorates to represent the people in elective offices across various positions.

With the rising cost of inflation, party primaries are now reserved for only the wealthy who can afford to suffer the arduous process of delegate settling that has become the accepted norm. It has become so ingrained in the system that it is now common to go through the delegates issue before being nominated to represent a political party.

The process is now highly commercialized, during the presidential primaries held by one of these big political parties a while ago I  met an elderly friend who happens to be a delegate at the airport and he was struggling to get back to Benin City the same morning the elections were to begin. I approached him and asked, "Epa na slippers you wear come airport? Wey your luggage now? He looked at me and laughed he said "Ikirodah na gbese I dey o , Ben Johnson " 

Of course, I asked what occurred, and he opened up everything to me. According to him, he had collected money from about 5 presidential aspirants and had made some cool dollars when he suddenly discovered that his faction as adhoc delegates had not been approved by the party's NWC, so he had to flee the hotel that morning leaving behind his shoes and even luggage as he hurriedly took off from the hotel's swimming pool axis when he heard the sad tale that their delegates list had been rejected.

Funny enough, there was no return flight to Benin that morning, so he had to board the next available flight to Lagos.This goes to show how messed up our system has become. Today's little children would tell you that when they grow up, they want to be political party delegates.

Then, all of a sudden, things appear to be changing with the arrival of Peter Obi's presidential ambition. The former Anambra State Governor, who was a leading aspirant in the PDP, dumped the party on the eve of the primaries and switched his camp to the Labour Party, and Nigerians have taken over the entire available space hailing Peter Obi's candidacy, describing it as a new dawn.

The Labour Party is expanding at such a rapid pace that Nigerians have labeled Peter Obi's presidential ambition as a MOVEMENT; the youths are enthusiastic about his involvement, which they think is a remedy to the country's years of failing leadership.

Obi's presidency is viewed as a credible option, and Nigerians believe it is a national initiative that every well-meaning Nigerian should if they truly want quality and deserving improvements. They are so committed to this cause that people have begun volunteering their homes to serve as campaign units for Obi.

Young people are rushing to get their PVCs, club owners are actually pushing for Peter Obi, and Nigerian celebrities are organizing concerts across the country in of his presidential candidacy. Obi for President has taken over every available space. For the first time in electoral campaign history, youths are completely engaged.

Matters Arising:

Will the Labour Party be able to win the election? What are their chances of getting a national distribution?

To begin with, Obi has presented himself as a viable alternative; when he stepped down as Anambra State Governor on March 17, 2014, he left behind a massive financial investment for Anambra State, including 50 million dollars and more than seven billion naira in Access Bank, 55 million dollars and more than twenty billion naira in Fidelity Bank, and 50 million dollars in Diamond Bank. Documents show that Peter Obi invested a total of 154.4 million dollars in Anambra.

Obi is regarded as a trustworthy resource manager who has no tolerance for waste in government. He is undeniably marketable.

Here's a quick rundown of what Obi's team should do right away to maintain the praiseworthy millage that the campaign has become.

Obi's fans must calm down and recognize that Obi is not only the perceived credible candidate running for President; they must also learn to be tolerant when interacting with other political party ers parading their candidates.

They must refrain from personally insulting these ers and instead direct their comments, if necessary, on the principals of these ers; the goal is to strengthen alliances rather than demolish bridges.

In selecting his running companion, Peter Obi should look to the North-West and North-East, aiming for a perfect balance if possible.

Peter Obi should choose a popular Northern Muslim as his campaign director and ensure that he has unrestricted access to the Northern Oligarchy. In the game, a balanced mix  is part of winning battles.

Politics is all on strategy and having a large financial war chest, thus the diaspora should hire professionals to market Obi to the desired audience, which in this case the North should be top priority.

As a matter of urgency, Peter Obi should send representatives to meet with Nnmadi Kanu and implore him to persuade his people to his candidacy. This should be done discreetly so that other regions do not misinterpret it. The South-East must learn to let go of their egos and Obi's aspirations; if tensions in the east remain high, Peter Obi will be unable to secure South-East votes in Bloc.

Obi must take advantage of the "Home Advantage" and sweep the South-East clean. Failure to reassure the North that Obi retains his home in the coming months will spell doom for Peter Obi in the North.

Aside from initiating a mosquito campaign where adherents would be involved in a door to door sensitization of the electorates , Obi's structure should work on having a National Appeal. He should be nicknamed in various dialects and allowed to stick, having an adopted Hausa/Fulani name is not even a bad idea for Peter Obi.

So far, Obi appears to be the most sellable candidate due to his anti-corruption appeal and having a platform, the Labour Party, that is considered as people-friendly, but in politics, goodwill is secondary to resources and human capacity to deliver votes. The Labour party should form coalitions with smaller parties and devise a strategy to persuade other presidential hopefuls from smaller parties to Obi's presidential ambition.

They should be willing to reimburse the costs incurred by their competitors and include them into their team. Nigerians dislike wasting their votes, thus some popular candidates on the internet and even on the street may not win elections. Personally, I would not vote for somebody who I believe cannot win the general election. The alliance of small presidential contenders would rekindle optimism and reassurance that their votes might really swing victory.

Here's how the general election would look if the current trend continues.

Peter Obi would sweep the South-East and do well in the South-South, stealing some votes from the PDP. In the 2019 presidential elections, the PDP received 448,015 votes in Lagos State, while the APC received 580,825 votes. Lagos would give Peter Obi valuable votes.

Lagos has the most dynamic youngsters pushing for Peter Obi, combined with traders from the East and enthusiasts for genuine transformation, they will go all out for Peter Obi. Although, Obi will not win Lagos State since Asiwaju Tinubu is the APC flagbearer, but I am convinced that Obi would receive at least 600,000 votes from Lagos. Obi will go ahead and garner some votes from other South-West states.

Peter Obi will have leverage and the mandatory nationwide spread if he can form a good partnership with the NNPP and some other parties with minimal influence in the North. Take notice that the North will be a hotbed of activity for the APC, PDP, and NNPP, thereby  scattering their votes.

What Obi has going for him that cuts across all geographical regions is the notion among Nigerians that if he is elected President, he is sincerely committed to changing the country. The GREAT RACE would be close and impossible to predict.

Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah writes in from Abuja. 

https://ireporteronline.com.ng/blog/2023the-rise-and-rise-of-labour-party-and-peter-obis-tremendous-chances-for-president-by-osigwe-omo-ikirodah/

Don't raise your hopes too high. The Labour Party is too small to produce a president now

-Peter Obi a product of CKC Onitsha
-Pat Utomi a product of CKC Onitsha
-Peter Odili a product of CKC Onitsha
-Willie Obiano a product of CKC Onitsha
And myself, nony a product of CKC Onitsha. If only the society can listen what we've got to deliver

Nonybb:
-Peter Obi a product of CKC Onitsha
-Pat Utomi a product of CKC Onitsha
-Peter Odili a product of CKC Onitsha
-Willie Obiano a product of CKC Onitsha
And myself, nony a product of CKC Onitsha. If only the society can listen what we've got to deliver

Comot here how this one concern us


Each time in the history of Nigeria when a punching bag is required, Igbos will always offer themselves up.

I don't know if this is a curse, or just shortsightedness or mere coincidence.

1) pre-coup the west was experiencing a terrorist crisis ( almost similar to what UGM is doing) Nzeogu and friends offered themselves up to be used as punching bags.

2) Abacha VS Abiola, Nzeribe offered himself to be used

3) Jonathan vs Northern cabal, Igbos offered themselves again

4) Tinubu VS Atiku, the delusional Peter Obi presented himself again. instead of Igbos to do the same thing Yorubas always do in any South VS North affair (which is side with the north) they're wasting their time and energy on a fruitless endeavor.


Tinubu and His SWAGA companions would never Dare attack an Northern aspirant, point one Tinubu er attacking Kwankwaso or Atiku.

Peter Obi and Igbos will always be targeted by Tinubuists and SWAGA, If one is following this election online it'll seem like the election is Between Peter Obi/Igbos VS Yoruba/Tinubu.

This is the time Igbos should Take the back seat and just Enjoy the ride, If Peter Obi drops out of the race today.
YOU'LL see the Yorubas will have nothing to campaign with or against, even the northerners that are Political are not Attacking Atiku and his major party, every Ammunition is targeted at Peter Obi and Igbos.

Igbos have Sense, Tell Peter Obi to drop out, the single thing that can bring all Nigerians together is to be Anti-Igbo don't help them strengthen that Anti-Igbo Unity for another 8years, Atiku or Tinubu, choose one side, don't allow Peter Obi to run.

All this on Twitter and other social media platforms

Ask an average Northerners who Peter Obi is and watch them guessing a footballer or a musician

Igbos are smart the moment Peter Obi doesn't garner any momentum he will be dumped or even Obi himself will drop out of the race..

Like he did during PDP primaries, Obi is very realistic I await his resignation from politics..


Tinubu and SWAGA will Insult Peter Obi and Igbos for Choosing a Party with no structure or reach.

Why aren't they insulting Kwankwaso and NNPP, there's currently No difference between LP and NNPP today.

IGBOS BE WISE, DON'T BE Sacrificial Lamb again for North and Southwest alliance, you can't Afford this alliance succeeding past 2023.

helinues:
All this on Twitter and other social media platforms

Ask an average Northerners who Peter Obi is and watch them guessing a footballer or a musician

An average Igbo man in onitsha knows Tinubu for being corrupt,for looting Lagos dry and running the entire Southwest like his father's property.

Kikikiki
Mustard seed ti won n fi oju tembelu wo.
E go shock una.. At the end of everything, Nigerians go rewrite their political textbooks.

All those jargons about "structures" and godfather and god-aunty go miss.
You dey take people power dey play.

Loser Band Party (LB)...

Loser Party

Is there labor party in kano, katisna, sokoto, adamawa kwara etc.

I maintain this party has no structure to win 2023 elections.

Obi is a good man , I don't see him winning

Bomboiy:


An average Igbo man in onitsha knows Tinubu for being corrupt,for looting Lagos dry and running the entire Southwest like his father's property.

Thank goodness you mentioned SE states. Una region's votes no dey matter in the Nigeria election. Better to be popular in other regions than SE

helinues:


Thank goodness you mentioned SE states. Una region's votes no dey matter in the Nigeria election. Better to be popular in other regions than SE

If you get sense you for know say Igbo people plenty for other states.

Bomboiy:


If you get sense you for know say Igbo people plenty for other states.

Lol. Typical Obi's ers.

Una weakness na our strength for this election. As long as one is having contrary opinion from you guys, they must be lambasted which is indirectly sending people away from you candidate.

You people should obey(obi) "Emi Lokan(Tinubu)" so you don't labour(lalour party) in vain

Thinkam:
Igbos are smart the moment Peter Obi doesn't garner any momentum he will be dumped or even Obi himself will drop out of the race..

Like he did during PDP primaries, Obi is very realistic I await his resignation from politics..

I agree with you, the marathon is too long for him, he will eventually drop out of exhaustion, the race is not for one man.

He has no nationwide structure across the 36 States & Abuja, his hungry so called state lieutenants will eat his small money & dump him, no be only president PDP Clown Obi.

Only a political naive Joker even imagines that Pandora Pete stands a chance, ludicrous @ best.

..

Nonybb:
-Peter Obi a product of CKC Onitsha
-Pat Utomi a product of CKC Onitsha
-Peter Odili a product of CKC Onitsha
-Willie Obiano a product of CKC Onitsha
And myself, nony a product of CKC Onitsha. If only the society can listen what we've got to deliver

Myopic minded nonsense, only these? Please go & mention Kings College Lagos, we will be on page 7 & still typing.

The results of this election will turn to fights
Thank GOD we have christians who won't allow this country to be ruined

the living faith church winners chapel church tomorrow to pray from 6am to 9am
Don't miss it for anything
Ur ing in this prayer will make u prosper and add no sorrow in your life this month amen

Congratulations

helinues:


Lol. Typical Obi's ers.

Una weakness na our strength for this election. As long as one is having contrary opinion from you guys, they must be lambasted which is indirectly sending people away from you candidate.

Parkinson disease is not sending people away from your candidate but my outburst will send people away from Peter Obi, continue deceiving yourself.

Bomboiy:


Parkinson disease is not sending people away from your candidate but my outburst will send people away from Peter Obi, continue deceiving yourself.

Garagsson disease is by thinking others opinions can't be reconsidered. If not mine, others can enter lagoon

---

Buhari's malistration actually propelled Obi's popularity. His old age and ill health which made him to perform below standard has closed the chapter of electing old and sickly leaders as the result from Buhari is devastating.

Obi does not need much campaign as the situation of the country today is enough to make any sensible person agitated about not repeating the mistakes of the past.

Obi has a good track record and age on his side. We can confidently try him for 4years, if he fails which I doubt, we kick him out.

For now I am 100% OBIdient and that's the best option among the top 3 as at today.

Let wait and see

Ok

Today I was released from Nairaland ban since May 13. I it my wrongdoings and I am dedicating this freedom to victims of owo massacre.

It is only a nonentity that believe Peter obi has a chance in 2023.

Labour party doesn't have structure, you expect a party that do not have ordinary councilor to win a national election? No way!

It is PDP/Atiku that will suffer , their block votes is gone.

Easy win for Tinubu.

First they were saying South East don't have anyone qualified to be President, Secondly they said Igbos don't know how to do politics they only good in business... now Igbos are out for politics and everyone is shaking

Regardless we muve..... Time has reach to fix this country

Wash

Is it possible for Peter Obi to select a Muslim VP?

This man is gaining momentum o.

If him and kwankwaso come reason well, omo matter don finish be that.

Anyway, I'm still observing him and LP.

Absolute truth!!!! Coalition is necessary. There won't be victory without northern too.