- She described the Anambra by-election as Obi’s “most embarrassing blow” after he backed an ADC candidate against LP’s choice.
- Ekong cited Chukwuma Soludo’s remark that the result signalled the “death” of both Labour Party and ADC in Anambra.
The Lagos state chairperson of the Labour Party, Dayo Ekong, has advised Peter Obi to pause and reflect as his political influence continues to decline.
Ekong gave the advice in a statement posted on her official X handle on Tuesday.
She said Obi’s rising momentum during the 2023 elections was not built on personality alone, but also on party structures, grassroots mobilisation, and the public’s hunger for change.
According to her, that “grace” has since diminished because of what she described as divisive decisions and inconsistent political moves.
“In 2023, Nigerians rallied behind him because he represented a fresh alternative,” she said.
“But today, his actions are beginning to erode the foundation of that support.”
Ekong argued that Obi’s endorsements no longer carry weight, citing his inability to deliver victories in successive polls.
She referred to the 2024 Edo governorship election where Obi campaigned for the Labour Party’s Olumide Akpata against the choice of party leaders.
Despite Obi’s rallies in Benin and other parts of the state, Akpata was defeated by the All Progressives Congress candidate, Monday Okpebholo.
Ekong also recalled the 2023 Imo governorship election in which Obi supported Labour Party candidate, Athan Achonu, who lost to the incumbent governor, Hope Uzodimma of the APC.
“Back-to-back failures in Imo and Edo should raise questions about Obi’s political strategy,” she said.
She added that the most embarrassing setback for Obi came during the recent Anambra by-election.
According to her, Obi abandoned the Labour Party’s candidate and instead campaigned for Justina Azuka of the African Democratic Congress for the Onitsha North 1 constituency seat.
She said Obi was even spotted wearing an ADC-branded cap while campaigning.
The ADC candidate secured only 1,909 votes, while the Labour Party also performed poorly.
The All Progressives Grand Alliance won the seat with 7,774 votes, a result Ekong quoted Anambra governor, Chukwuma Soludo, as describing as the “death” of both LP and ADC in the state.
Ekong warned that Obi’s political missteps were eroding his credibility even in his Anambra stronghold.
“A wise politician should know when to stop and think deeply about the direction he is heading,” she said.
She urged Obi to reconcile with Labour Party leaders and focus on rebuilding public trust.
“We openly criticised Wike for his PDP/APC antics, yet we look away from Obi’s LP/ADC antics,” she wrote.
“The electorate is watching and slowly making up their minds about 2027.”
She stressed that the Labour Party remains committed to justice, equity and progress, but warned that leaders must place collective interest above personal ambition.