Who will Settle This Fight?

The Labour Party (LP) is currently embroiled in a fierce internal conflict, with key factions going after one another’s jugular. The tension reached new heights when Governor Alex Otti of Abia State decided to convene a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, aiming to dissolve several party structures. This move has sparked outrage among the party’s leadership, particularly National Chairman, Julius Abure.

Abure strongly opposed Otti’s attempt to interfere in party administration. From his perspective, it is not within the governor’s authority to make such decisions and going forward with them could make him face disciplinary action. But the warning has not deterred Otti. The latter insists on holding the meeting, now rebranded as a “Stakeholders’ Meeting.”

The proverb “when two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers” aptly describes the current situation within LP. The ongoing battle between the party’s national leadership and Otti is causing significant harm to the party’s unity and stability. Each side is digging in its heels, which leaves the party’s future in a precarious position.

Critics have pointed out that LP is supposed to be a collective effort, not dominated by any single individual. Yet, the actions of its members suggest a struggle for control. The question now is, who can settle this escalating fight? With both factions showing no signs of backing down, LP finds itself in a mess.

If this conflict continues unchecked, it risks not only weakening the party internally but also diminishing its standing among the electorate. Is this the party once seen as a rising force? Is it the one that now appears fractured and directionless? The proverb “a house divided against itself cannot stand” is a stark reminder of what could lie ahead if the factions fail to reconcile.

In this critical moment, the party needs a unifying figure who can bridge the growing divide. Will it be Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate? Will it be someone else? Until this is decided, Aluta continua, victoria incerta!