The Labor Party (LP) has denied speculation that its 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi and Abia State Governor Alex Otti have been expelled from the party.
Labour’s national spokesperson, Obiora Ifor, dismissed the speculation, saying the defection reports were a media distraction.
He said neither had ever declared that they were no longer members of the party.
“What’s the big deal about that? It’s all speculation. As far as we know, Otti hasn’t told us he’s leaving,” Ifor said in an interview with Punch published Thursday.
Asked further about the status of Peter Obi, Ifor said Obi remains a member of the Labor Party and a leader of the party.
He added that Mr. Obi, Mr. Otti, the National Chairman, Mr. Julius Habre, and members of the National Assembly are all leaders of the party and will continue to work towards the development of the party.
“Our former presidential candidates, His Excellency Peter Obi and Abia State Governor Alex Otti are leaders of the Labor Party and continue to be leaders of the Labor Party.
“So, I don't know what else to say. Have I ever said that they are no longer members of the Labor Party? Besides them, there are many other leaders in the Labor Party. Senator The head of state is also the leader of the party.
“So these are distractions being promoted by the media to create something that doesn’t exist. Our presidential candidate has not left the party and is still the leader of the party.
“The governor of Abia State has also not resigned and is still the leader of the party. Unless they say otherwise, they are still our leaders,” a party spokesperson said.
