Labour Party's Igara Defends Obi's Candidacy Efforts

Ceekai Igara, the vice chairman of the Labour Party, asserted that the party fought diligently to secure Peter Obi as its presidential candidate. In an interview with Arise TV, Igara dismissed claims that the party's performance in the 2023 elections was solely influenced by Obi.

He highlighted that Obi's emergence as the party's candidate followed extensive internal negotiations and noted that several aspirants initially opposed his candidacy. Igara attributed the surge in youth support during the 2023 elections to broader civic engagement, particularly referencing the EndSARS movement.

He stated that the upcoming elections would be a true test of whether the level of support for Obi could be replicated outside the Labour Party. Igara maintained that the party remains focused on consolidating its base ahead of the 2027 elections, despite recent defections to the African Democratic Congress, which he argued would not weaken the party's chances.