The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has stated that Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, is at liberty to exit the party if he so desires.

This statement was made by NLC spokesman Benson Upah on Sunday.

Upah reiterated the NLC’s stance on Julius Abure’s leadership, stating that despite what they consider an ‘illegal’ national convention that reinstated Abure as the national chairman of the Labour Party, the union will not recognize his leadership.

“Our position on this matter is clear and has not changed. Abure remains unknown to us. It is not a question of removal. As far as we know, he does not exist,” he said.

In a related development, the Lagos Assembly of Labour Veterans and Trade Unionists, a group of retired workers, called for the resignation of Julius Abure and NLC President Joe Ajaero due to their contentious leadership struggle.

Peter Obi is said to have been in conflict with the Labour Party’s leadership over the conduct of the convention in Nnewi, Anambra State.

Obi expressed his frustrations during a session on X, stating that he did not attend the national convention because the party leadership did not heed his appeal for wider consultation with stakeholders before the exercise.

His recent comments have fueled speculations that he may be considering switching to another political platform, despite being assured the 2027 ticket at the convention.

However, Upah clarified that the decision of whether Obi should stay or leave the party is up to him, stating that he is free to determine his political destiny.

He described the former Anambra governor as an asset, stating that the NLC would not obstruct him if he chose to leave the party.

“The right of choice is available to Mr Obi. If he chooses to leave the party, that is his preference.

“We can’t sit in judgment over him on that. But if he chooses to remain, of course, Peter Obi is an asset any day. I rest my case on that,” Upah concluded.