Labour Party Backs Obi’s Coalition Move, Blasts Abure Faction As ‘Political Jesters’

The leadership of the Labour Party (LP) has declared its full support for former presidential candidate Peter Obi in his efforts to form a broad political coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections, while dismissing moves by the sacked faction led by Julius Abure as lacking legitimacy.

Speaking through her Senior Special Adviser, Ken Asogwa, the Acting National Chairman of the Labour Party, Senator Nenadi Usman, criticized Abure and members of his dissolved National Working Committee, describing them as “political jesters” without any standing in the party or under Nigerian law.

Usman noted that those behind the alleged 48-hour ultimatum issued to Obi to resign over his involvement in coalition talks had been removed by the Supreme Court for persistent acts of indiscipline and anti-party activities.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the leadership of the Labour Party on May 26, 2025, openly endorsed Mr. Obi’s participation in coalition efforts aimed at offering Nigerians a credible political alternative to rescue the country from the failures of the APC. That position remains unchanged,” Asogwa said.

He stressed that Obi’s appearance at the coalition event—including the unveiling of a reinvigorated African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Abuja alongside prominent figures like **Atiku Abubakar, David Mark, Nasir El-Rufai, and Rotimi Amaechi—was done with the Labour Party’s full knowledge and blessing.

Asogwa urged Nigerians and the media to disregard what he described as distractions and mischief from “discredited elements,” reiterating that only the office of Senator Usman, as Acting National Chairman, represents the authentic voice of the Labour Party.

Earlier, Obiora Ifoh, a former publicity secretary allied to Abure, had claimed that Obi was handed a 48-hour ultimatum to quit the party for allegedly aligning with power-seeking politicians who prioritize personal interests over the people.

However, Usman’s camp dismissed these statements, insisting they came from individuals who have lost both their party standing and public credibility.