How Obi, Labour Party gained ground in 2023 polls — Ngogbehei

…Attributes success to Obaze

From Okwe Obi, Abuja

Director General, Labour Party’s (LP) Directorate of Mobilization and Integration (DMI), Marcel Ngogbehei, has explained how the party got wide acceptance in the 2023 general elections.

He attributed the success of the party to Oseloka Obaze, whom he said assembled and led 14 original leaders of the Obidient core support groups, to almost all the nook and cranny of the country, a move he said ignited the widespread movement and got support for its presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

Ngogbehei, in a tribute, marking the 70th birthday of Obaze, yesterday, described him as a true statesman and one of the foundational pillars of the Obidient Movement.

“You brought us together not just with vision, but with a rare kind of purpose and integrity.

“You didn’t just guide us, you led with humility and strategy”, he said.

Highlighting Obaze’s behind-the-scenes contributions, Ngogbehei credited him as the mastermind of the 2022 Obidient Movement and Labour Party Leadership Summit held at the International Conference Centre in Abuja.

He revealed that the summit’s budget was drawn up and approved in Obaze’s hotel room, with financial support secured through direct engagement with Labour Party leadership.

Ngogbehei also reflected on Obaze’s creative mentorship style, referencing a moment when the elder statesman used music lyrics to inspire and challenge the group to remain purpose-driven.

“You didn’t just sing that song randomly. It was your way of admonishing us—to hold onto the purity of our purpose,” he added.

He expressed deep appreciation for Obaze’s selfless leadership, saying, “today, we celebrate not just your birthday, but your unwavering commitment to truth, nation-building, and selfless leadership. Your impact is eternal.

“Oseloka Obaze, a respected diplomat and politician, has long been recognized as a strategic thinker and a close ally of Peter Obi.

“His influence within the Obidient Movement continues to resonate among supporters of reform-driven politics in Nigeria.”