Dr. Ayo Olorunfemi, the Deputy National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), has urged Peter Obi, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, to remain within the party and focus on mending internal divisions ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Olorunfemi made the call during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos, advising Obi to ignore any temptation to defect and instead work on restoring peace within the LP.

While acknowledging Obi’s legal right to join any political party, Olorunfemi warned that leaving the Labour Party would raise doubts about Obi’s true intentions. "Now that Obi has experienced the strength of the Labour Party, moving to another political party would speak volumes of his commitment. It would raise questions about whether he truly believed in our ideology or just used the party as a platform for his presidential bid," Olorunfemi explained.

He further cautioned that such a move could damage Obi’s public image, potentially portraying him as an opportunistic politician. “If he decides to leave, it would be seen as politically opportunistic, much like other politicians who jump from party to party," he said.

Olorunfemi, who was the LP’s candidate in the 2024 Ondo governorship election, emphasized that Obi should now focus on resolving the leadership crisis within the party and stabilizing its structure. “If I were him, I would stay, rebuild the party, and address the issues he and others contributed to,” Olorunfemi remarked.

He also recalled how in 2022, several party members, including aspirants, set aside their ambitions to support Obi’s presidential run, reflecting the party's collective commitment to his candidacy.

In discussing the ongoing leadership crisis within LP, Olorunfemi came to the defense of Julius Abure, the party’s National Chairman, and the National Working Committee (NWC). He stated that the leadership had stood by Obi during the difficult 2023 election period despite facing severe attacks from various quarters. “What offence has Abure committed?” Olorunfemi asked. “We endured everything—attacks, insults, even tribal criticism—for supporting Obi."

He also reiterated that the actions taken by the party’s leadership were in full alignment with LP’s constitution, challenging those opposed to the leadership to point out any constitutional violations.

In closing, Olorunfemi expressed confidence that even if Obi were to leave the Labour Party, the party would continue to function as a strong opposition force. “Labour Party will remain resilient and continue to play a critical role in Nigeria’s political landscape, whether Obi stays or goes,” he asserted.

The Labour Party, which has faced ongoing leadership struggles since its defeat in the 2023 elections, now stands at a crossroads as it seeks to solidify its future and role in the political sphere.