Abure Calls Peter Obi Uber Politician in LP Feud

Abure Calls Peter Obi 'Uber' Politician

In the latest escalation of Nigeria's Labour Party (LP) internal crisis, factional National Chairman Julius Abure has lambasted the party's 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, labeling him an "Uber" politician, a metaphor implying opportunistic, transient allegiance akin to ride-hailing services. This sharp rebuke comes as Obi directs his supporters to back candidates from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the upcoming August 16, 2025, by-elections, citing LP's exclusion from the ballot due to unresolved leadership disputes. The feud highlights the ongoing fragmentation within LP, raising questions about party unity, electoral strategy, and Obi's political future ahead of potential 2027 ambitions.

In a statement issued on August 14, 2025, Abure accused Obi of "elevating subterfuge in politics" and "crying wolf where there is none." He portrayed the former Anambra Governor as a figure of irony and paradox, unwilling to commit firmly to decisions. "It is unfortunate that Obi has turned himself into an irony and a paradox in the Nigerian political space. He has become an ‘Uber’ politician, unwilling to take a position and stand by his decision," Abure stated. Further, he claimed Obi has "booked a place in the Guinness World Records as a man affiliated with multiple political parties at the same time, driven by desperation to preside over Nigeria."

Abure urged LP members to disregard Obi's directive, emphasizing that the party has fielded candidates and is on the ballot. This response underscores the faction's determination to assert control amid legal battles over leadership recognition by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

On August 14, 2025, Obi called on his "Obidient" supporters and like-minded Nigerians to vote for ADC candidates in the by-elections across states including Anambra, where vacancies arose due to resignations or deaths of lawmakers. He justified the move by noting that INEC does not recognize any LP candidates owing to the protracted leadership tussle between Abure's faction and another led by Lamidi Apapa. "As long as Labour Party don't have candidates for the election, we must vote ADC so that we will not be left wanting," Obi reportedly stated, aligning ADC with his values of good governance and accountability.

This endorsement marks a significant departure for Obi, who rose to national prominence on the LP ticket in 2023, garnering over 6 million votes and challenging the status quo. Analysts view it as a pragmatic step to maintain momentum for his grassroots movement, but critics like Abure see it as disloyalty.

The LP has been embroiled in turmoil since the 2023 elections, with competing factions vying for control. Abure, elected chairman in 2022, faces challenges from Apapa and others, leading to court injunctions and INEC's reluctance to validate candidates from either side. Obi, initially aligned with Abure, has distanced himself amid allegations of financial mismanagement and undemocratic practices within the party.

This infighting has weakened LP's electoral prospects, prompting Obi to explore alliances. His "Obidient" base, youth-driven and reform-oriented, remains a potent force, but the split risks diluting its influence. The by-elections, though local, serve as a litmus test for opposition dynamics ahead of 2027.

Abure's "Uber" jibe resonates in a political landscape where defections are common, but it also exposes LP's vulnerabilities. For Obi, the endorsement could broaden his appeal beyond LP, positioning him as a unifying figure for progressives. However, it fuels narratives of opportunism, potentially alienating core supporters.

Broader calls for INEC to resolve party disputes swiftly highlighting systemic issues in Nigeria's democracy. As voters head to polls on August 16, 2025, outcomes may signal shifting allegiances and the viability of third-force politics.

This saga underscores the challenges of sustaining momentum post-2023, with Obi's next moves under intense scrutiny. Stay tuned for updates as the by-elections unfold.