Labour Party Faction Gives Peter Obi 48 Hours to Resign Over Coalition Ties

The Julius Abure-led faction of the Labour Party has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Peter Obi, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, demanding his resignation over alleged involvement in a new opposition coalition they describe as a gathering of “recycled politicians.”

In a strongly worded statement on Thursday, Labour Party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, accused Obi of secretly plotting to defect by holding “nocturnal meetings” with some party members. According to Ifoh, several members have already resisted pressure to follow Obi into what he called a self-serving political alliance.

He emphasized that the Labour Party is not aligned with the recently formed coalition and will not tolerate any member with dual loyalties. The statement condemned what it called a deceptive political agenda, warning that anyone supporting the coalition must officially resign from the party within two days.

Tensions have been rising within the Labour Party amid reports that Peter Obi has been in talks with other opposition leaders about forming a broader political front ahead of the 2027 general elections. The move, while aimed at building a united opposition, has drawn criticism from factions within his party who fear it undermines the Labour Party’s structure and vision for a “New Nigeria.”

This isn’t the first time Obi’s post-election moves have sparked controversy. Since the 2023 elections, he has continued to advocate for political reform, but his methods have occasionally clashed with his party’s internal leadership.

“We are aware of several nocturnal meetings between Peter Obi and some of our members, lobbying them to join him in his new party,” Ifoh said. “Labour Party is not for those with a dual agenda… who in the morning claim to be with us and in the evening dine with the coalition.”

He continued, “Nearly 70 percent of Nigeria’s population are youths who are tired of the old order. The dream of a New Nigeria cannot be realized by politicians trying to relaunch themselves through backdoor alliances.”

Ifoh called on all loyal members of the party to reject distractions and remain committed to Labour Party’s vision ahead of future elections.