By Erewunmi Peace

Akin Osuntokun, former Director-General of the Labour Party Presidential Campaign Council, has issued a stark warning about the future of the Labour Party (LP), describing it as a party “heading towards extinction.”

Speaking in an interview with Arise News, Osuntokun attributed the party’s dwindling relevance to internal crisis, weak institutional structure, and its over-reliance on the popularity of its 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

“The Labour Party is not a political party in the real sense. It was an opportunistic platform that benefited from the moment, particularly Peter Obi’s movement. Without that, it remains like most parties in Nigeria—existing only on paper,” Osuntokun stated.

He further emphasized that the lack of internal democracy, leadership tussles, and infiltration by political interests are major threats to the party’s survival. According to him, the LP risks becoming irrelevant unless it undertakes urgent restructuring and redefinition of its ideology.

This comment follows growing concerns over factional disputes between the Julius Abure-led executive and opposing groups within the party. The legitimacy of Abure’s leadership has been contested by various stakeholders, fueling speculations about the party’s future ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Osuntokun also noted that if Nigeria had allowed independent candidacy, Obi would not have needed to contest under the LP banner—suggesting the party served merely as a vehicle for his ambition.

“The reality is that we do not have strong, ideologically driven parties. If the law permitted independent candidates, Peter Obi wouldn’t have needed Labour at all,” he added.

Political Reactions and Implications

Political analysts say Osuntokun’s remarks reflect a broader issue in Nigeria’s political landscape, where party structures often lack stability and long-term vision. With the “Obidient” movement still holding influence among youth and urban voters, the future of LP may depend on whether it can transition from a personality-driven platform into a cohesive political force.

As the country approaches another election cycle, questions remain: Can the Labour Party reinvent itself—or will it fade into political obscurity?