By Ade Ayodele
Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi has emphasized the importance of reconciliation between the Julius Abure and Lamidi Apapa factions of the party.
During his visit to the party’s national secretariat, Obi urged the party’s leadership to continue their efforts to reconcile all aggrieved members and supporters. He pledged to address all internal discord promptly.
Obi also appealed to NLPTC protesters, led by Abdul Waheed Umar, who had gathered at the party’s headquarters, to pursue their demands through legal channels.
In a statement by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiorah Ifoh, Obi, the former Anambra State governor, remarked, “Their reconciliation is crucial for our party, and I assure you that everyone must reconcile with each other.”
Explaining his visit to the NWC, Obi stated that his primary mission was to initiate a peace and reconciliation process within the party amidst the ongoing factional disputes.
“During our meeting, I emphasized that my top three priorities are reconciliation. What you witnessed earlier is a normal part of our lives. In our families, we reconcile after quarrels, and the same applies here. Today’s events signify the beginning of our reconciliation process,” Obi said.
Earlier, Abure expressed his satisfaction with Obi’s leadership in restoring the party to a united front capable of fostering a new Nigeria.
“Labour Party supports your reconciliation project and will provide all necessary assistance. We are not the aggressors and have always sought peace. We cannot approach future elections with divided loyalty. Our focus is on 2027, and we are the only party that has already chosen its presidential candidate for that election. We are determined to provide Nigerians with a better nation,” Abure stated.