A storm is brewing within the Labour Party (LP) as a faction of the party has announced plans to expel Peter Obi, its 2023 presidential candidate, over his involvement with a new opposition coalition led by the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The factional National Publicity Secretary, Abayomi Arabambi, made the announcement during an appearance on Channels Television on Tuesday. Arabambi accused Obi of violating the party's constitution, arguing that no politician can lawfully belong to two political parties at once.
“We are convening a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting where his expulsion will be formalized,” Arabambi declared, noting that the decision would later be ratified at the party’s national convention.
Arabambi didn’t hold back in his criticism of the former Anambra governor, alleging that Obi never built the Labour Party, but simply rode on its structure during the 2023 elections. He also referenced the #EndSARS movement and public frustration with past governments as factors that helped Obi gain massive youth support.
He further accused Obi of exhibiting authoritarian tendencies, claiming that the former presidential hopeful often clashed with party leaders in a bid to control the party’s affairs.
The drama escalated after the Labour Party issued a 48-hour ultimatum, asking Obi to resign over his role in the emerging coalition of opposition parties aiming to challenge the ruling party in 2027.
In response, Peter Obi has stood his ground, insisting that he remains a committed member of the Labour Party. According to him, the coalition’s goal is not about party-switching but rather uniting opposition forces to save Nigeria’s democracy.
Meanwhile, Labour Party’s national spokesperson, Obiora Ifoh, described members of the new coalition as "power-hungry opportunists", warning that the party will not tolerate any move that undermines its structure and integrity.
As the 2027 elections draw closer, tensions within the opposition seem to be heating up — and all eyes are now on how the Labour Party will handle this internal rift.
