Tensions are mounting within the Labour Party (LP) following Peter Obi’s involvement in a newly launched political coalition. The faction led by Julius Abure has now issued a 48-hour deadline, demanding Obi’s formal departure from the party.
Obi, who contested the 2023 presidential election under the LP banner, was one of several influential political figures who joined a broad coalition earlier this week.
The group, which adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its platform, is positioning itself as a strong third force in the run-up to the 2027 elections—its ultimate goal being to challenge and replace President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
In a statement released after the coalition’s unveiling, Obi explained that the alliance was born out of a shared concern for Nigeria’s worsening state. He emphasized the need for collaborative leadership to move the country forward.
“The coalition officially adopted the ADC as our political platform for the 2027 elections,” he announced. “Former Senate President David Mark has been chosen to serve as National Chairman, and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola will serve as National Secretary.”
Describing the move as a product of careful deliberation, Obi said it reflected a serious commitment to national renewal. He stressed that what Nigeria needs now is leadership driven by competence, empathy, and a people-first mindset.
Meanwhile, the Abure-led faction of the LP wasted no time in distancing the party from Obi’s latest political move. In a statement issued in Abuja by the faction’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, the coalition was dismissed as a gathering of “power-seekers with questionable motives.”
According to Ifoh, the LP has no intention of partnering with a group that includes many of the same political actors responsible for Nigeria’s long-standing challenges.
“These are not the agents of change they claim to be,” he said. “This coalition is a mix of old political faces trying to reinvent themselves. Nigerians should not be deceived.”
He argued that the vision of a “new Nigeria,” which has become a rallying cry for many, cannot be achieved through alliances rooted in desperation or personal ambition.
The LP faction further accused Obi of quietly trying to pull party members into the new coalition behind closed doors. Ifoh revealed that several members were approached but chose to remain loyal to the Labour Party.
“We are aware of ongoing secret meetings Obi has held to woo our members,” he said. “Thankfully, many of them have declined his invitation.”
He went on to say that any LP member who aligns with the coalition must immediately resign, giving them a strict 48-hour window to make their decision.
“The Labour Party will not tolerate dual allegiance,” he warned. “You can’t wear two political jerseys—being with us in the day and jumping ship at night.”
Reiterating the party’s mission, Ifoh noted that the majority of Nigerians, particularly the youth, are eager for genuine change—not recycled leadership. With nearly 70% of the population made up of young people, he said the time has come for a generational shift in governance.
“This coalition is made up of the same names we’ve seen for decades,” Ifoh stated. “They are only interested in staying relevant. That is not the kind of leadership that can deliver the Nigeria we all dream of.”
He urged all LP members to remain committed and keep the party structure intact as preparations for 2027 continue.
“Our party still stands as the best hope for the new Nigeria,” he said. “Let’s stay focused and united.”