President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, has said that members of the Labour Party, including former presidential candidate Peter Obi, are at liberty to interact with other political parties or platforms such as the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Ajaero made it clear that any member of the Labour Party is free to attend events or meetings hosted by other political groups, stressing that such participation does not automatically translate to an endorsement or alliance by the party itself.
“The Labour Party is not part of any coalition or merger. We’ve said this before and we are repeating it. The party is strong enough to stand alone and contest the 2027 elections successfully,” Ajaero said.
He clarified that Peter Obi’s recent appearance at a meeting involving the ADC should not be interpreted as a party-level involvement. “If I attend an event somewhere, it doesn’t mean the entire Labour Party has gone there. We must separate the individual from the party. Obi himself has reaffirmed that he remains with the Labour Party. To the best of my knowledge, he has not resigned,” he added.
Ajaero’s comments follow growing debate around Obi’s attendance at a coalition meeting that prompted a faction led by Julius Abure to issue an ultimatum demanding his resignation. That faction had distanced itself from the new coalition, referring to it as a gathering of discontented and recycled politicians.
In reaction, Ajaero dismissed the ultimatum and questioned the legitimacy of Abure’s leadership, asserting the NLC’s foundational role in the creation of the Labour Party.
“Anyone who claims to lead the party without the backing of Nigeria’s working class is simply fooling themselves. When it truly matters, we will disassociate from such individuals. It’s unfortunate when those still learning from us behave as though they are our superiors,” he stated.
The NLC president urged Nigerians — including workers, farmers, traders, and artisans — to embrace and take ownership of the Labour Party, as is done in countries like the United Kingdom, where the Labour Party has governed.
Highlighting the inclusiveness of the Labour Party, Ajaero recalled how, during the 2023 general elections, candidates were issued free nomination forms and even a commercial motorcyclist emerged as a federal lawmaker. “How many ordinary citizens can afford nomination forms worth N100 million? This is the only political party that gives a real opportunity to the common man,” he concluded.
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