Clement Ojukwu Reaffirms Labour Party Loyalty Amid Defection Rumors

In the fast-evolving landscape of Nigerian politics, rumors of shifting allegiances often serve as a prelude to major structural changes within parties. However, Chief Clement Ojukwu, the Deputy National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), has moved decisively to quash such narratives regarding his own political future. In a strongly worded clarification issued this week, Ojukwu dismissed widespread reports suggesting he had abandoned the Labour Party for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), labeling the claims as “fake news” designed to mislead the public.

The rumors gained traction following recent movements within the Nigerian opposition, where several prominent figures have begun exploring new alliances ahead of the 2027 general elections. For Ojukwu, the suggestion that he would leave a political structure he helped stabilize was not just inaccurate but fundamentally “unthinkable.” He emphasized that his commitment to the Labour Party is rooted in a deep personal and financial investment that spans several years of intense political mobilization.

Speaking from a position of institutional authority, Ojukwu clarified that his identity as “Gbazuoagu Nnewi” remains synonymous with the Labour Party’s growth. He noted that it would defy logic to walk away from a “house” that he personally helped build, especially at a time when the party is navigating a complex internal and external landscape. To Ojukwu, the Labour Party is not merely a platform for elections but a project into which he has poured significant energy and resources.

The political climate in Nigeria has been particularly volatile since the conclusion of the 2023 polls, with various factions within the Labour Party grappling for control and direction. Despite these pressures, Ojukwu’s statement serves as a public vote of confidence in the current leadership structure. He explicitly reaffirmed his support for the National Chairman, Barrister Julius Abure, under whom he serves. By doing so, he signaled a desire for stability and continuity within the party’s executive ranks.

Ojukwu did not shy away from acknowledging the shifting tides around him. He noted that some of his close political associates, most notably the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, have recently been linked with or have chosen to align with the African Democratic Congress (ADC). While acknowledging these departures or shifts in strategy by allies, Ojukwu maintained that a leader’s path is often distinct from those of their associates. He insisted that the vast majority of the party’s base remains intact and loyal to the original LP mandate.

This distinction is crucial as the Nigerian opposition attempts to find its footing after a transformative 2023 election cycle. The Labour Party, which became a third-force phenomenon during the last polls, is currently at a crossroads. Ojukwu believes that the party’s survival depends on its ability to weather current storms and maintain a unified front. He expressed a firm belief that the Labour Party will emerge from its present challenges stronger and more focused on its core mission.

Central to Ojukwu’s refusal to defect is his belief in the ideology of social democracy. He argues that this specific political philosophy is the only viable solution to Nigeria’s pressing socio-economic issues. By staying within the Labour Party, Ojukwu asserts that he is staying true to the principles of equity and workers’ rights that the party was founded to protect. He views the ADC or any other alternative as an “uncertain destination” that does not offer the same ideological clarity.

Looking toward the horizon, Ojukwu is already setting his sights on the 2027 electoral cycle. He reminded supporters that the Labour Party achieved what many thought was impossible in 2023, breaking the long-standing duopoly of the two major parties. This historical precedent serves as his motivation for the future. He expressed total optimism that the party can replicate and even surpass its previous successes if the membership remains disciplined and avoids the distractions of “malicious” rumors.

The Deputy National Chairman concluded his message by addressing the party’s rank and file directly. He urged the “Obidient” movement and traditional party members to remain calm and undeterred by reports of fractures within the leadership. His assurance that “better days lie ahead” is an attempt to stem the tide of anxiety that often follows high-profile political rumors. By standing his ground, Ojukwu hopes to provide the anchor the Labour Party needs to prevent further erosion of its leadership core.

As the political dust settles on this specific rumor, the focus remains on how the Labour Party will manage its internal dynamics in the coming months. Ojukwu’s refusal to defect provides a temporary shield for the Abure-led executive, but the broader challenges of party unity and external competition remain. For now, Clement Ojukwu remains a cornerstone of the Labour Party, determined to see his investment through to the next constitutional contest.