Labour Party Crisis Deepens as Factional Chairman Callistus Okafor Quits, Unveils Team Wazobia Amid Leadership Crisis
The internal crisis plaguing the Labour Party (LP) took a dramatic turn on Thursday with the resignation of one of its factional national chairmen, Callistus Okafor.
His departure marks a significant blow to the already divided party, which is currently contending with four rival claimants to its leadership: the incumbent Julius Abure, former Deputy Chairman Lamidi Apapa, National Caretaker Committee head Nenadi Usman, and now, the exiting Okafor.
Addressing a press conference in Abuja, Okafor — a former National Vice-Chairman of the Labour Party — announced that he and his faction, which he claims includes over five million supporters, are withdrawing from the party. He declared the formation of a new platform: Team Wazobia Nigeria, a socio-political and non-partisan movement aimed at offering a fresh direction.
“We have carefully examined the ongoing crisis in the Labour Party, which has dragged on for over seven years,” Okafor said. “In the past week, both the National Working Committee and the National Executive Council of my faction met and decided it was time to leave.”
Okafor’s decision stems from what he describes as the Labour Party’s dysfunctional leadership and lack of accountability. He particularly criticized Peter Obi, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, for failing to resolve the internal turmoil. According to him, Obi’s silence and continued support for Julius Abure—despite corruption allegations raised by former National Treasurer Oluchi Opara—undermined the party’s integrity and unity.
“When Peter Obi joined us in 2022, instead of mediating, he backed Abure unconditionally,” Okafor said. “He ignored all warnings about financial misconduct. That silence, I believe, cost him the 2023 election. Leadership starts from within, and if he couldn’t manage the Labour Party, I don’t believe he can manage Nigeria.”
Okafor ruled out the possibility of joining the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which he described as being in worse disarray. He also acknowledged the growing appeal of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), noting the continued defection of PDP members to the ruling party and the perceived political strength of President Bola Tinubu.
“As of today, APC seems to be the most appealing party, even though the President has not declared for 2027,” he remarked.
With Okafor’s exit and the unveiling of Team Wazobia Nigeria, the Labour Party faces yet another fracture in its already weakened structure, raising questions about its viability ahead of future elections.