Labour Party Backs Obi’s Coalition Move as Usman Slams Abure Faction

The Acting National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), Senator Nenadi Usman, has declared the party’s full support for its 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, over his decision to join a broad opposition coalition aimed at unseating the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.

In a statement issued through her media aide, Ken Asogwa, on Thursday, Usman reaffirmed that the Labour Party leadership had on May 26, 2025, publicly endorsed Obi’s involvement in the coalition talks led by former Senate President David Mark. She emphasized that the move was in line with the party’s vision of creating a formidable political force to rescue Nigeria from what she described as “the disastrous misrule of the APC.”

“For the avoidance of doubt, Mr. Peter Obi’s participation in the coalition activities, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC) unveiling, was done with the full knowledge, approval, and support of the Labour Party leadership,” Usman said. “Our position has not changed. We remain committed to building an inclusive political alternative for the Nigerian people.”

Usman Dismisses Abure-Led Ultimatum as Illegitimate

Reacting to a recent 48-hour ultimatum issued by a faction led by Julius Abure demanding Obi’s resignation from the party, Usman condemned the group as “political jesters” who have no legitimate standing within the Labour Party.

According to Usman, Abure and his co-travelers were long expelled from the party following their suspension for gross misconduct, anti-party activities, and indiscipline. She further pointed out that their removal had been affirmed by the Supreme Court of Nigeria, which remains the highest legal authority in the country.

“The individuals behind this so-called ultimatum are neither recognised by the Labour Party nor by the law. They are impostors whose only relevance lies in the confusion they sow. The remnants of the disorder and mess left behind by these impostors are what the current leadership under Senator Nenadi Usman continues to clean,” the statement read.

Coalition Unveils ADC as 2027 Electoral Platform

The opposition coalition—comprising leaders from multiple political parties—held a strategic meeting in Abuja on Wednesday where they formally adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the platform for their joint bid in the 2027 general elections.

Key appointments were announced, with former Senate President David Mark unveiled as the interim National Chairman and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola named interim National Secretary of the coalition. The coalition aims to create a unified front to challenge the dominance of the APC and present Nigerians with a credible alternative.

Prominent figures at the meeting included former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and Labour Party’s Peter Obi. The presence of such political heavyweights underscored the seriousness of the coalition’s mission to reshape Nigeria’s political landscape.

Diverse Political Heavyweights Rally Behind Coalition Vision

The Abuja meeting witnessed an unprecedented gathering of top politicians from across party lines, highlighting the growing discontent with the status quo and the desire for change ahead of the 2027 elections.

In addition to Atiku, El-Rufai, Amaechi, and Obi, other notable attendees included Senator Dino Melaye, former Sports Minister Solomon Dalong, media entrepreneur Dele Momodu, former Benue Governor Gabriel Suswam, Senator Ireti Kingibe, former Imo Governor Emeka Ihedioha, and former Chief of Air Staff Sadique Abubakar.

This diverse lineup signals the coalition’s intent to present a broad-based platform that transcends traditional political divides. The coalition leaders collectively emphasized their commitment to rebuilding Nigeria’s democracy, fighting corruption, improving governance, and addressing widespread economic hardship.

Labour Party Urges Public to Ignore Distractions

Senator Usman urged Nigerians and the media to disregard the “distractions and mischief” peddled by the Abure-led group, insisting that only the authentic leadership of the Labour Party has the authority to speak on behalf of the party.

She described the coalition move as a step in the right direction, reflecting the aspirations of millions of Nigerians yearning for competent leadership and genuine change. Usman reaffirmed that the Labour Party would continue to stand with Peter Obi and other like-minded political actors working towards national renewal.

“The time for political gimmicks and self-serving theatrics is over,” Usman stated. “Nigerians deserve a better future, and the Labour Party, alongside our partners in the coalition, is determined to deliver on that promise.”