The Labour Party (LP) is bracing for an internal political showdown as one of its prominent figures, Abayomi Arabambi, has announced plans to expel former presidential candidate Peter Obi from the party. The decision stems from Obi’s active participation in a newly formed opposition coalition seeking to unseat President Bola Tinubu, a move the LP leadership deems unconstitutional and unacceptable.
Arabambi Declares Peter Obi’s Expulsion Imminent
Speaking during a live interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Tuesday, Abayomi Arabambi, the Labour Party’s National Publicity Secretary, made it clear that the party is convening its National Executive Council (NEC) to initiate Peter Obi’s expulsion. Arabambi accused Obi of violating party rules by aligning himself with an opposition coalition while maintaining Labour Party membership.
“Let me make it very clear: we are convening a NEC meeting where he [Obi] will be expelled. It is unconstitutional for you to belong to two political parties at a time. They have deceived him to their side, and there he shall remain,” Arabambi said emphatically.
He further stressed that Obi’s continued engagement with the coalition contradicts the Labour Party’s constitution and that the decision to remove him will be formally ratified at the party’s convention. According to Arabambi, the Labour Party will not tolerate what he described as Obi’s “hobnobbing” with the so-called “yahoo yahoo” coalition.
The ‘Yahoo Yahoo’ Coalition and Party Loyalty
Arabambi did not mince words when he slammed the coalition Obi has joined, describing it as opportunistic and unprincipled. “Obi will be expelled from our party. He is no longer a member. It is not within his right to claim, ‘I am still a member of the Labour Party,’ and at the same time be hobnobbing with what we call the ‘yahoo yahoo’ coalition. We are not going to accept that,” he stated.
In a scathing critique, Arabambi dismissed the popular perception that Obi was the driving force behind Labour Party’s national prominence during the 2023 general elections. He insisted that it was the party’s integrity and national goodwill, particularly in the wake of the #EndSARS movement and growing dissatisfaction with previous governments, that propelled Obi’s political rise.
“It’s because of our own integrity. That was what gave Peter Obi what he is today. He should be banking on our goodwill, not the other way around. He started the crisis in the Labour Party,” Arabambi declared, suggesting that Obi’s leadership style is divisive and authoritarian.
48-Hour Ultimatum: Labour Party’s Line in the Sand
The Labour Party’s position against Obi was further underscored by a 48-hour ultimatum issued by the Julius Abure-led faction, demanding that Obi formally resign his membership over his involvement with the opposition coalition. The ultimatum, contained in a statement signed by Labour Party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, warned that dual allegiances would no longer be tolerated.
“Labour Party is not part of the coalition. Therefore, any of our members who are part of the coalition are given within 48 hours to formally resign his membership of the party,” Ifoh stated. He went on to accuse members of the coalition of being political opportunists seeking to regain relevance and power at the expense of party unity.
Ifoh made it clear that the Labour Party “is not available for people with dual agendas or deceptive personas,” emphasizing that the party must remain focused and united as a credible alternative in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Inside the Opposition Coalition: A New Political Front for 2027
The controversy surrounding Peter Obi’s political future is rooted in his participation in the opposition coalition’s recent meeting held on July 2, 2025, in Abuja. The coalition, which aims to unseat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections, adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its official platform.
The coalition named former Senate President David Mark as interim national chairman and ex-Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola as secretary. The meeting was attended by a host of high-profile politicians including Atiku Abubakar, Nasir El-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, Dino Melaye, Dele Momodu, Gabriel Suswam, Ireti Kingibe, Emeka Ihedioha, and Sadique Abubakar—alongside Peter Obi.
This emerging political alliance is viewed by many as a significant challenge to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), but its impact is already sowing discord within the Labour Party, as Obi’s dual involvement has ignited fierce opposition from the party leadership.
Labour Party’s Unity and The Battle for Political Relevance
Arabambi, in his televised remarks, sought to portray the Labour Party as a unified body under the unchallenged leadership of Julius Abure. He dismissed the notion of internal factions, stating, “We do not have groups in the Labour Party. We have only one leadership under Julius Abure, our national chairman.”
The crisis reveals deeper tensions within the Labour Party regarding leadership, direction, and political alliances. Arabambi accused Obi of attempting to dominate the party through authoritarian methods, claiming that such tendencies disqualify him from being the face of the party in future elections.
As the 48-hour ultimatum looms, the future of Peter Obi within the Labour Party appears increasingly uncertain. The unfolding drama signals not only a personal political battle for Obi but also a test of strength and unity for the Labour Party itself as Nigeria edges closer to another heated electoral cycle.
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