The Julius Abure-led faction of the Labour Party (LP) has issued an ultimatum giving Peter Obi, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, 48 hours to formally quit the party. This demand follows Obi’s decision to join an opposition coalition led by the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Obi was officially introduced on Wednesday as a key figure in the new ADC-led alliance aiming to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election.
In a statement released on Thursday in Abuja, Labour Party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, criticized the coalition as a group of “power mongers” and accused Obi of maintaining “dual political loyalties.”
“We are aware of late-night meetings between Peter Obi and some of our members, where he has been urging them to defect with him. However, many have refused,” Ifoh said.
He emphasized that the Labour Party does not recognize the coalition and will not tolerate members with “dual agendas” or “deceptive personas.”
“Labour Party has clearly stated it is not part of this coalition. Any member involved with it must resign their membership within 48 hours,” he added.
Ifoh dismissed Obi’s “new Nigeria” slogan as unrealistic, describing it as a ploy used by “recycled, desperate, and frustrated politicians.”
He highlighted that nearly 70 percent of Nigerians are youths who are disillusioned with the status quo and argued that the Labour Party remains the only platform to achieve the “new Nigeria” they envision.
The LP spokesperson urged party members to stay loyal, affirming the Abure-led faction’s commitment to building a youth-driven, progressive political movement.
The coalition Obi joined includes prominent figures such as Atiku Abubakar, Nasir El-Rufai, Rauf Aregbesola, and others, forming what analysts describe as a formidable third force ahead of the 2027 elections.
During the coalition’s unveiling, former Senate President David Mark was named interim chairman, with Rauf Aregbesola appointed secretary.
