Blame Yourself, Not Others, for Labour Party’s Failure — A Message to Mr. Peter Obi
By Faduri Oluwadare Joseph (FADOJOE)
Former Presidential Aspirant, Labour Party
Founder, Rescue Movement for New Nigeria
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My attention has been drawn to numerous comments and videos where Mr. Peter Obi continues to blame everyone but himself for the deepening crisis in the Labour Party. From blaming the current president to party leadership and even external forces, Obi seems to be pointing fingers everywhere except at the man in the mirror.
This is both disappointing and disingenuous.
It is laughable that a man who prides himself on competence, capacity, and production — the core vision of the Labour Party — is today a symbol of division, confusion, and underperformance. I recently watched a video where he accused the president of being responsible for the party’s woes. In another, he blamed the party leadership. The blame game is endless.
Let us call a spade what it is: the only person to be held responsible for the Labour Party’s downward spiral is Mr. Peter Obi himself.
When Obi joined the party in 2022, Labour Party was united. The house was in order. But since his arrival, crisis has rocked the party from top to bottom. The center could no longer hold. This division contributed heavily to our loss in the 2023 general election. A house divided against itself cannot stand.
How can a man who claims he wants to govern a complex nation like Nigeria not even manage a small political party?
To all Obi supporters, I ask you to think critically: If Peter Obi cannot resolve party-level crises, how will he manage inter-state conflicts, economic restructuring, security turmoil, and national reconciliation?
Let us not forget, Obi did not build APGA — the platform that gave him his first opportunity. He deserted it when he should have grown it into a national party, like Nnamdi Azikiwe did with NCNC or Awolowo with UPN. Compare that to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu who turned a regional party into a national powerhouse that now governs Nigeria.
Instead of strengthening APGA, Obi ran to PDP for another political meal, then moved again to Labour Party for a third helping — always looking for the easiest path, not the one requiring true leadership and sacrifice.
After the 2023 elections, instead of returning to rebuild Labour Party and unify aggrieved members, he further distanced himself from Barr. Julius Abure — the very man he used during the campaign. Now that the party is in ruins, he blames Abure for the dirt, forgetting he was the one who walked into a clean house and messed it up.
Let me be clear: I am no fan of Julius Abure, but the shady deals now under scrutiny were made for Obi’s political ambition. Leadership requires loyalty, responsibility, and the will to lead — especially in difficult times.
Instead, Obi is fixated on joining coalitions — seeking shortcuts to power again. But let me boldly state: Mr. Obi is not qualified to be a coalition candidate for 2027. That position must be earned through proven leadership, party unity, and capacity — not mere popularity or public sympathy.
In 2022, Labour Party was dead asleep. I, Fadojoe, with the Rescue Movement, helped wake it up and gave Nigerians an option. The people were already disillusioned with APC and PDP. Obi benefitted from this public frustration — not because he was a political messiah, but because he was a lesser-known alternative.
Now, the reality has dawned on many. People are beginning to see beyond the media image. They ask — what does Peter Obi actually stand for?
Where does he stand on Nnamdi Kanu’s detention?
What is his position on the Sit-at-Home economic shutdown in the Southeast?
What has he said about oil theft in the Niger Delta?
What is his solution to insecurity — Boko Haram, unknown gunmen, and armed herders?
On all these pressing national matters, Peter Obi remains silent. But on universally agreeable issues like unemployment and poverty, he speaks loudly — because they are “safe zones.”
Leadership is not about where you stand during peace and applause, but where you stand in crisis and reproach.
Would Tinubu blame Labour Party for APC’s problems? Would PDP shift blame to the ruling party for its internal fights? No. So why should Obi not own up after two years in LP?
If you cannot lead, step aside.
Let those of us who have the vision, the capacity, and the courage to build a united and purpose-driven Labour Party take over. Reorganizing this party is not rocket science. Fixing Nigeria starts from fixing ourselves, our political parties, and our communities.
In 2027, Nigerians must choose a leader not based on sentiments or moral branding, but on vision, capacity, and competence.
We must bring about a generational shift in power. It’s time for a new leadership that doesn’t exploit tribal sentiments but promotes unity, development, and progress.
Many Nigerians in the diaspora have lost hope. Some have sworn never to return. But I say to you — don’t give up. There is still hope. Nigeria will rise again.
We will rebuild. We will recover. We will overtake.
Let’s not wait for a savior. Let’s become the saviors our country needs. The fight for Nigeria’s future begins with you and me. Together, let’s work for a better nation — starting now.
God bless you.
God bless me.
And may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
