Valentine Ozigbo’s decision to resign from the Labour Party (LP) at a critical political moment raises serious questions about his political foresight and strategic planning. As a well-respected politician and close ally of Peter Obi, his departure from the party that made significant electoral strides in recent years could turn out to be his greatest mistake, especially with the Anambra 2025 governorship election on the horizon.
While the Labour Party has faced internal challenges, it remains a strong opposition force with growing national appeal. With Obi’s influence still a major factor, LP could have provided Ozigbo a formidable platform to contest in Anambra. His abrupt departure not only raises doubts about his political stability but also weakens his grassroots appeal among Obi’s supporters, who played a major role in LP’s rising popularity.
Speculation is rife that Ozigbo might be eyeing a move to the All Progressives Congress (APC) or another major party. However, the APC’s political structure in Anambra is heavily influenced by entrenched power blocs and billionaire politicians who have long dictated its affairs. The crucial question is: Will APC sideline its established moneybag politicians to hand Ozigbo a governorship ticket? The likelihood is slim. If he joins APC, he risks being sidelined, used, and ultimately abandoned when it matters most.
Ozigbo built a reputation as a progressive politician aligned with Obi’s vision for a new Nigeria. His exit from LP may be interpreted as political opportunism rather than a well-calculated move. This shift could alienate his core supporters, many of whom are loyal to the Labour Party’s ideology and would question his commitment to genuine political change.
With Anambra’s gubernatorial race shaping up to be a fierce battle, every candidate will need strong party backing, grassroots mobilization, and a clear political identity. By leaving LP without a solid plan or alternative structure in place, Ozigbo may find himself politically stranded, losing the credibility and momentum he had built over the years.
In politics, timing and decision-making are everything. Ozigbo’s resignation from LP at this moment appears to be a miscalculation rather than a strategic move. Without a clear and viable path forward, he risks fading into political irrelevance, especially if he fails to secure a strong platform for his gubernatorial ambitions. If the goal was to strengthen his chances for Anambra 2025, this move may have done the exact opposite.
