Abure-led faction threatens expulsion; Caretaker committee dismisses claims as political mischief and defends Obi’s coalition role
The Labour Party (LP) plunged deeper into crisis on Tuesday following a declaration by the Julius Abure-led faction to convene a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting to expel the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
The controversial move comes after Obi aligned with a new political coalition spearheaded by the African Democratic Congress (ADC), prompting accusations of anti-party activities from the Abure group.
Speaking on The Morning Brief on Channels Television, Abayomi Arabambi, a spokesperson for the Lamidi Apapa-aligned faction, stated that Obi no longer had a place in the LP due to his affiliation with the emerging coalition.
“Obi’s alliance with the ADC signals a clear breach of party loyalty,” Arabambi claimed.
The faction issued a 48-hour ultimatum for Obi to resign from the Labour Party, stating that the only recognized leadership remains under Barrister Julius Abure and National Secretary Alhaji Farouk Umar Ibrahim.
Caretaker Committee Defends Obi, Labels Opposing Faction “Impostors”
In swift rebuttal, the Labour Party’s National Caretaker Committee, led by Senator Nenadi Usman, dismissed the expulsion threat as a joke, branding the Abure-led group “political jesters and impostors.”
In a statement released by Ken Asogwa, Senior Special Adviser on Media to Usman, the committee affirmed that Peter Obi’s coalition involvement had full party backing.
“These comedians of politics are performing for their paymasters,” the statement read. “Their only relevance lies in attacking Obi.”
The caretaker faction emphasized that the Labour Party had, in a May 25th, 2025 statement, publicly endorsed Obi’s coalition involvement as part of a broader plan to realign Nigeria’s political landscape.
“Nigerians should disregard these desperate distractions. Peter Obi remains a central figure in building a viable political alternative,” the statement added.
Obi: Coalition Aligned with National Interest
Peter Obi has yet to publicly respond to the expulsion threat, but he earlier clarified that his involvement in the coalition aligns with his vision for national renewal, inclusive governance, and a stronger democratic framework.
“My decision was not made lightly. This coalition represents a new beginning,” Obi said during a recent appearance.
Observers say the crisis reflects deeper fractures within the LP over strategic direction ahead of the 2027 general elections.