Obi’s Aide, Obienyem, Debunks Claim of Defection from Labour Party

Valentine Obienyem

By TANKO ALI

Valentine Obienyem, media adviser to the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, has firmly denied reports circulating in the media suggesting that he confirmed plans for Mr. Obi and other opposition figures to abandon the Labour Party in favour of a new political platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.In a statement released on Monday, Obienyem described the reports as “completely false and unfounded,” stressing that he never made such a statement to any journalist, media outlet, or individual at any time.“My attention has been drawn to a news report falsely attributing to me a statement that ‘we’ve agreed to leave the Labour Party and join one platform for 2027.’ I wish to state categorically that this claim is completely false,” Obienyem said.He further clarified that he had not granted any interview or responded to any question indicating that Peter Obi or his political associates had reached any agreement to defect from the Labour Party.“This is yet another example of misinformation being circulated to confuse the public and sow doubt about the integrity and consistency of Mr. Peter Obi and the movement he represents,” he stated.Obienyem reaffirmed that Peter Obi remains a committed and loyal member of the Labour Party, which he described as central to the values and ideals the former Anambra governor espouses.He urged members of the public to disregard the misleading report and rely only on verified sources for information regarding Mr. Obi’s political engagements.“If and when I or Mr. Obi have anything to communicate regarding political developments, it will be done through credible and verifiable channels,” Obienyem concluded.