Labour Party is "Dying," Says Valentine Ozigbo (Peter Obi Strong Ally) as He Champions APC Rebirth in Anambra

 

Former Labour Party stalwart and Anambra State governorship hopeful, Valentine Ozigbo, has sounded a political alarm bell over the future of the Labour Party (LP), declaring it to be in a critical state of decline and predicting a wave of defections that will shake the foundation of the party.

Appearing on Arise Television’s Morning Show, Ozigbo, who recently defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), made no effort to sugarcoat his views. He described LP as a party on life support, claiming that many of its elected officials are actively seeking to switch political affiliations ahead of the next election cycle.

Articulating his decision with conviction, Ozigbo stated, “I didn’t just walk away from Labour Party on a whim. I carried out my own assessments, weighing each political party based on structure, vision, and sustainability. Labour Party is not what it’s often imagined to be by the public—it is barely holding on.”

According to Ozigbo, the internal disarray within LP is far worse than it appears on the surface. He claimed that a significant number of elected representatives under the party’s platform have expressed hesitation to seek re-election under its banner, pointing to a broad disenchantment within the ranks.

“Hardly any elected LP official I’ve spoken with plans to remain in the party for re-election,” he revealed. “That says a lot about the direction the party is heading. It’s unfortunate, but for me, Labour Party has become history.”

Ozigbo also addressed the buzz that followed his political switch, saying the move to APC was not about aligning with everything the ruling party stands for, but rather about becoming a force for change within the most viable political structure available at present.

He framed his defection as a strategic step to effect meaningful change from within a more established platform. “If APC is the only platform with real structure today, then responsible individuals who believe in transformation need to step into it—not to blend in, but to stand out as reformers.”

His defection, he claimed, caused ripples strong enough to alter the political dynamics in the region, contrasting his entrance with other political figures whose own defections went unnoticed. “Nicholas joined APC a month before I did, and no one paid attention,” he remarked. “But when I made the move, it became a trending topic. That’s because I bring value.”

The politician didn't shy away from addressing rumors suggesting President Bola Tinubu may be positioning to support incumbent Governor Charles Soludo’s return via tacit alliances, with the aim of countering the influence of Peter Obi in Anambra State.

He criticized what he described as Soludo’s duality in playing both sides—appearing loyal to APGA while allegedly courting support from APC power brokers. “Soludo is APGA in the afternoon and APC at night,” Ozigbo quipped, “creating unnecessary confusion and weakening all sides involved.”

For Ozigbo, such political hedging dilutes party strength and undermines the transparency needed in governance. He called for a clear stance from politicians like Soludo, urging him to declare a singular political allegiance rather than playing the field for convenience.

“Be one thing,” Ozigbo challenged. “If Soludo wants to be APGA, let him be APGA. But the era of dual allegiance must come to an end. APGA itself belongs to yesterday. We need a party that speaks to the future.”

He reaffirmed his belief that his movement into APC has fortified the party’s presence in Anambra, giving it fresh credibility and momentum. “I am not just another member—I’m a catalyst. And the APC I’ve joined is already stronger and more focused because of what I bring to the table.”

The tone of his remarks was both critical and visionary, painting a picture of political renewal through bold decisions rather than passive alignment. While many have criticized APC on various grounds, Ozigbo sees its structure as the only feasible platform for meaningful political engagement at this time, especially in southeastern Nigeria.

As the 2025 elections draw nearer, his comments suggest that internal shifts within the Nigerian political landscape may accelerate, particularly in Anambra where voter sentiment, party loyalty, and grassroots organization could be tested like never before.

Whether Ozigbo’s predictions come to pass remains to be seen. However, his defection has undeniably stirred conversations, not only about the waning influence of the Labour Party but also about the possible reinvention of the APC through new blood like his.