The Labour Party (LP) is grappling with a deepening internal crisis as its National Chairman, Julius Abure, and 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, publicly clashed over the party’s stance in the upcoming by-elections.

On Thursday, Obi — now working with the ADC-led Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) — took to X (formerly Twitter) to declare that the LP has “no INEC-recognized candidates” for the elections. He urged his supporters, popularly known as Obidients, to throw their weight behind ADC candidates instead.

However, Abure swiftly refuted Obi’s statement, insisting that “LP is on the ballot” and that the party is fielding legitimate candidates. “This position doesn’t reflect reality. The Labour Party is fully participating in these elections with our candidates duly on the ballot. We urge all supporters to disregard any contrary instructions,” he said.

The contradictory messages have sown confusion among LP supporters and exposed growing tensions within Nigeria’s third-largest political party. Political analysts warn the dispute could weaken the LP’s electoral chances and raise questions about its internal cohesion ahead of future contests.