PETER OBI’S FACTION REJECTS INEC-NODDED LP CANDIDATE IN ANAMBRA
Labour Party’s festering leadership crisis has escalated after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) formally recognized George Moghalu as the party’s candidate for the November 2025 Anambra governorship election—prompting rejection from the faction led by Peter Obi and Governor Alex Otti.
Despite Moghalu’s victory at an INEC-monitored primary that saw him win 573 of 592 valid votes, the Obi-Otti group, operating under a caretaker committee chaired by Nenadi Usman, organized a parallel primary that produced Jude Umenajiego. Their candidate, a state lawmaker, defeated John Nwosu with 180 votes in a separate exercise.
Factional leader Lamidi Apapa urged Obi to back Moghalu, warning that party division could sabotage electoral chances. Apapa emphasized that unity was critical, stating, “Going into a critical election like this without a united front would be a disaster.”
The recognition of Moghalu appears to affirm Julius Abure’s continued leadership in the eyes of INEC, complicating the party’s already contentious internal battle. Apapa warned against undermining lawful processes, cautioning that further divisions would only strengthen incumbent Governor Chukwuma Soludo of APGA.
