Trouble For Peter Obi, Ezenwafor Emerges Factional Labour Party Candidate

• No crisis in LP – National Chairman

BY EDMOND ODOK – Still smarting from the intrigues and scheming that scuttled his presidential aspirations in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), trouble seems to have trailed former Anambra State Governor Oeter Obi to his new found love, the Labour Party (LP).

Less than two weeks after being presented as the Labour Party’s standard bearer in 2023 general elections, the crisis rocking the party took another embarrassing dimension on Wednesday with the acting National Chairman, Calistus Uju Okafor announcing Ambassador Jude Ezenwafor as its authentic presidential candidate.

And despite denying that there are no reasons to fight or impede Peter Obi’s presidential ambition, Okafor maintained that the issue revolves around doing what is right and fair.

In presenting Ezenwafor as the ‘anointed’ hand to fly the party’s flag next year at the Excel Hotel and Resort, Garki 2, Abuja, venue of the factional primary polls, Okafor described him as “a man of integrity.”

He explained that Ezenwafor, the former Anambra State Chairman of LP, emerged through affirmation during the primary attended by members from across the country.

Okafor said; “Having made all the requirements of the party, we hereby affirm you to be the presidential candidate of the Labour Party come 2023.”

On Peter Obi, which the other faction of LP had presented as its presidential candidate, the Acting National Chairman said “I am not against you. My doors are open. I am fighting for what is my right. I am not fighting my brother. Those who think I’m being used should have a rethink.”

Addressing the national delegates after his unanimous adoption by party members, Ezenwafor, who was a sole aspirant, said: “I am on a rescue mission to free Nigerian from social, economic and political crises currently bedevilling it.”

The flag bearer said having understudied two former governors in Anambra State and being the chairman of the party in the state, he had what it takes to lead the country to economic freedom.

He also said he had a brighter chance of defeating the presidential candidates of other political parties being a young man with energy and vigour.

Commenting on the level of insecurity in the country, Ezenwafor said; “Nigeria needs to be rescued. Labour is leading a revolutionary course; Labour party will win the general election.

“Our party is going to take over Nigeria and bring back the glory Nigeria needs. I have been in the corridors of government for the past 20 years. We are here on a rescue mission.”

A former Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to former Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra, Ezenwafor also enjoyed the privilege of serving under former Governor Peter Obi for a period of four months.