Obi, who was speaking at the National Executive Committee meeting of the party in Abuja on Wednesday, decried the level of poverty and hardship Nigerians are facing.

He said that things have gotten bad, and it is time to stand together for the right things, starting from the Labour Party.

“We must speak when things are wrong, Nigeria is collapsing, the numbers are clear, the indices are clear, more and more people are poorer. People who used to feed well are now begging, even in this hotel. Any time I enter this hotel, I see people telling me, ‘Oga, I came to Abuja, I can’t go back’.

“Where I used to go that people ask me, ‘Oga will you eat? Will you drink?’ Nobody is asking me anything again. That shows you how bad it is. So, let us know that things are difficult, things are bad. Let us stand together and ensure that the right things, starting from our party, are done,” Obi said.

The Labour Party held its National Executive Council meeting in Abuja, the nation’s capital, at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel and was chaired by former Finance Minister Nenadi Usman.

The meeting follows the controversy over the recent Supreme Court judgement on the national chairmanship position for the Labour Party.

In attendance were the 2023 LP presidential candidate, Peter Obi and his running mate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, and the Abia State Governor, Alex Otti.

Senators and members of the House of Representatives who are members of the party were also present.

After the meeting at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, leaders of the opposition party marched to the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

Led by Peter Obi, and the Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, the members were received by INEC National Commissioner, Sam Olumekun.

They asked the electoral body to recognise Nenadi Usman as the LP chairman, days after the Supreme Court set aside the judgment of the Court of Appeal in Abuja recognising Abure as the National Chairman of the LP.

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In a letter to the Chairman of PDP, Arogbo 1 Ward, Ese-Odo Local Government, Peretei blamed the leadership’s indifference toward winning elections.

He wrote: “I’ve decided to quit the PDP, as its supposed leaders have no real intention of winning any elections, now or in the future.

“It’s difficult working with individuals focused solely on personal gain, using the party as a political marketplace every election cycle.”

Peretei noted he had served as the State Financial Secretary (1999–2003) and State Publicity Secretary from 2020 till date.

“I’ve contributed significantly, yet the same people have gripped the party tightly, causing repeated electoral failures over three cycles,” he stated.

He likened the party’s current state to one in an intensive care unit, now heading toward the morgue.

He criticised those using the PDP as a financial lifeline, urging them to find alternative means of livelihood.

“To those surviving on election funds and patronage, I advise finding second addresses to live more meaningful lives, not as political bandits or ‘Yes’ men,” he said

The governor made this known while receiving Mr. Kaycee Osamwonyi, a member of the Edo State House of Assembly.

Osamwonyi defected from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Osamwonyi represents the Uhunmwonde constituency and serves on the House Committee on Budget and Appropriation.

He was first received by APC State Chairman, Mr. Jarrett Tenebe, before being presented to the governor.

Welcoming the lawmaker, Okpebholo commended him and his fellow defectors for strengthening the APC.

He assured them of a supportive environment for collaboration and development in Edo.

“We congratulate you on your return home. Your defection, along with four others, has made our party stronger and more united,” Okpebholo said.

“A lot of people from other political parties are ready to join us. Very soon, it will be a carnival of defections.

“I seek your support to drive development. Together, we will transform Edo and improve the lives of our people.

“Uhunmwonde Local Government is very dear to me. Together, we can unlock its potential and attract meaningful growth and development,” he added.

Speaking on the upcoming election, the governor declared: “The 2027 presidential election is near.

“Here in Edo, we are ready. We have already kick-started our campaign for President Tinubu’s reelection.”

He urged the youth to get involved, saying, “We must mobilise young people.

“You are part of that demographic, and I assure you that you’ll find fulfillment in the APC.”

Presenting Osamwonyi, APC Chairman Tenebe noted that “the party now holds a majority in the Edo Assembly.

“Osamwonyi joined us because of your administration’s impressive achievements in such a short time,” Tenebe said.

In his remarks, Osamwonyi cited internal divisions within the PDP as the reason for his defection.

“The PDP’s internal crisis, from the national level down to the wards, pushed me to return to the APC.

“For me, it’s a homecoming. I was once a member of this great party,” he said.

He praised the state government’s development initiatives, especially those targeting his constituency.

“Several projects in the state budget for Uhunmwonde are commendable. I had to align with the APC to ensure progress for my people,” he added.(NAN)