Labour Party in Turmoil: Factional Chairman Callistus Okafor Withdraws with Five Million Supporters, Launches WaZoBia Nigeria
ABUJA, NIGERIA — In a dramatic political development that underscores the deepening divisions within the Labour Party (LP), one of its factional leaders, Callistus Okafor, has officially withdrawn his faction from the party. Okafor, who claims to have the loyalty of over five million Nigerians, made this significant announcement during a press conference held in Abuja on Thursday, May 22, 2025.
The move marks a major turning point in the ongoing leadership crisis that has plagued the Labour Party since the 2023 general elections. Okafor declared that his faction has now aligned with a new political movement called WaZoBia Nigeria, which he described as a nonpartisan platform aimed at real political transformation.
Labour Party Crisis Reaches Breaking Point
The Labour Party has been embroiled in an internal power struggle for several years. Since the 2023 elections, various factions within the party have battled for control, with Callistus Okafor, Julius Abure, and Nenadi Usman all laying claim to the position of national chairman.
These internal conflicts have not only weakened the Labour Party’s political influence but have also cast serious doubts over its ability to serve as a viable opposition force in Nigeria’s democratic space.
Okafor’s withdrawal is a direct consequence of what he calls “deepening divisions” within the party. He stated that after extensive consultations with members of his faction, the decision was made to move forward with a new vision outside the troubled LP framework.
“My own faction, we met, and we said that this is the time. I hereby announce to Nigerians, based on the decision as a team in the Labour Party, the five million Nigerians who are under my control, hereby today pull out from LP to team WaZoBia Nigeria,” — Callistus Okafor, Abuja, May 22.
What Is WaZoBia Nigeria?
WaZoBia Nigeria, according to Okafor, is not just another political party. He emphasized that it is a nonpartisan movement designed to bridge Nigeria’s ethnic, religious, and political divides. The name "WaZoBia" itself is symbolic, derived from the words for “come” in Yoruba (Wa), Hausa (Zo), and Igbo (Bia) — Nigeria’s three major languages. This naming reflects the movement’s goal of inclusivity and unity.
While Okafor did not provide detailed plans about WaZoBia Nigeria’s structure or programs, he promised that more information would be made available soon. However, his message was clear: the Labour Party is no longer a sustainable platform for his political ideals and those of his followers.
“The current state of the Labour Party had become untenable and no longer conducive for political cooperation,” he said.
Peter Obi Under Fire
In a rare and pointed criticism, Callistus Okafor took aim at Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, accusing him of failing to heal internal wounds and unify the party after the election. Obi, who gained significant popularity during the 2023 campaign, has often been credited with bringing new energy and youthful enthusiasm to the party. However, Okafor argues that Obi’s actions post-election have deepened the crisis.
“Peter Obi, when he came to the party, he supported Abure, who has become his archenemy today,” said Okafor. “If Peter Obi had called me, LP would have gone into that election with one mind. We know the outcome of the election.”
Okafor’s remarks suggest that Obi’s endorsement of Julius Abure as national chairman played a significant role in escalating the leadership rift. Instead of uniting the various factions, Obi’s alignment with Abure effectively alienated other leaders within the party, including Okafor.
The former factional chairman believes this misstep by Obi cost the party a more coordinated and powerful performance in the 2023 elections, which ultimately led to further disillusionment among members.
Internal Struggles and Legal Battles
The Labour Party’s internal crisis is not new. The leadership conflict has resulted in multiple court cases, conflicting press releases, and public accusations. Julius Abure, the most widely recognized chairman, has faced numerous legal challenges questioning his legitimacy. Nenadi Usman and Callistus Okafor have also maintained parallel leadership structures, leading to confusion among party faithful and the general public.
This situation has not only weakened the Labour Party’s organizational structure but also damaged its public image. Analysts say the lack of a unified front has made it difficult for the party to present itself as a strong alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the main opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Implications for 2027 Elections
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, the Labour Party’s viability as a serious contender is now in doubt. With key figures like Okafor exiting and launching alternative movements, the fragmentation of Nigeria’s third-largest political force may open the door for other emerging parties or coalitions to gain ground.
Okafor’s new platform, WaZoBia Nigeria, could attract members disillusioned with the traditional political system. If the movement manages to galvanize public support and articulate a clear policy agenda, it might reshape Nigeria’s political landscape.
However, this will depend heavily on how the group structures itself and whether it can gain recognition from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in time for future elections.
Conclusion: A Party at the Crossroads
Callistus Okafor’s withdrawal from the Labour Party with five million loyal supporters is more than just a factional split — it is a reflection of the deep-rooted dysfunction plaguing Nigeria’s opposition politics. With the Labour Party now more fragmented than ever, the road ahead looks uncertain.
For Peter Obi, Julius Abure, and other party stakeholders, the urgent task is to either rebuild trust within the party or risk complete irrelevance. For Nigerian voters and political observers, the rise of WaZoBia Nigeria introduces a new variable in an already complex political equation.
NaijaRush will continue to monitor developments on this story and provide updates as more details emerge about WaZoBia Nigeria and the future of the Labour Party.
