Labour Party Faction Issues 48-Hour Ultimatum to Peter Obi Over Coalition Alliance

A faction of the Labour Party (LP) led by Julius Abure has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, demanding his resignation from the party over his alleged alliance with a newly formed opposition coalition.

In a statement released on Thursday by Obiora Ifoh, spokesperson for the Abure-led group, the faction accused Peter Obi of fraternizing with politicians they described as being responsible for Nigeria’s misgovernance over the years. The coalition in question is reportedly spearheaded by former Senate President, Senator David Mark, and is using the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Ifoh said the Labour Party was not part of the new opposition alliance and would not tolerate divided loyalties within its ranks. He alleged that Peter Obi has been holding “nocturnal meetings” with some Labour Party members, lobbying them to join his new political movement.

“We are aware of several nocturnal meetings between Peter Obi and some of our members, lobbying them to join him in his new party. We’re also aware that a number of them have refused to defect with him,” the statement claimed.

The Abure faction warned that any member of the Labour Party found associating with the new coalition would have 48 hours to formally resign their membership.

“Labour Party has consistently said it is not part of the coalition and therefore, any of our members who is part of the coalition is given within 48 hours to formally resign his membership of the party,” the statement added.

The group labelled the members of the opposition coalition as “opportunistic politicians interested in relaunching themselves into the circle of power” and vowed that the Labour Party would not serve as a political vehicle for individuals pursuing dual allegiances.