The Labour Party (LP) faction led by Senator Nenadi Usman has firmly dismissed reports suggesting the party was planning to convene a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting to expel its 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi.
The rumour, which surfaced after a television appearance by Abayomi Arabambi, a former factional National Publicity Secretary of the party, has been described by the LP leadership as “laughable, illegal, and sponsored by political jesters.”
In a statement signed by Ken Eluma Asogwa, Senior Special Adviser to the Acting National Chairman, the party clarified that no such meeting was planned and that the individuals making the claims were neither recognised nor affiliated with the authentic leadership of the Labour Party.
“The attention of the Labour Party has been drawn to plans by a group of political jesters—unknown to the party but parading themselves as members—to convene a kangaroo meeting with the aim of sowing confusion and mischief in the ongoing coalition efforts involving His Excellency, Mr. Peter Obi,” the statement read.
The party alleged that the individuals behind the purported expulsion plan were acting on behalf of “shadowy interests” determined to derail Obi’s influence and undermine the growing coalition movement aimed at “rescuing Nigeria.”
“These impostors, acting on behalf of shadowy interests, intend to purport an expulsion of Mr. Obi from the Labour Party—a move as laughable as it is illegal,” the party added.
Full Backing for Obi’s Coalition Efforts
The LP reiterated that Mr. Obi continues to enjoy the full support of the party’s leadership as he engages in talks with other political actors to form a credible alternative platform ahead of the 2027 elections.
“The Labour Party, through a widely circulated statement issued on the 25th of May 2025, made it categorically clear that Mr. Peter Obi’s involvement in the coalition talks enjoys the full backing and blessing of the leadership of the Party,” the statement emphasised.
It warned the media and the general public to ignore any statements or activities emanating from what it called “meddlesome interlopers”, insisting their only claim to relevance lies in attacking Obi.
The statement further reminded Nigerians that the Supreme Court of Nigeria, in a landmark ruling delivered on April 4, 2025, had affirmed that the tenure of those laying claim to leadership positions in the party had “long expired.”
“On what legal or moral authority, then, do they stand to make any pronouncement on behalf of the Labour Party?” the party queried.
In conclusion, the Labour Party urged the public to disregard any statement not issued by the office of the Acting National Chairman, Senator Nenadi Usman, and to treat any contrary claims as “null and void.”
“This latest drama should be rightly seen for what it is: the desperate last kick of a dying horse.”
