Labour Party Chieftain Vows Peter Obi’s Expulsion Over ADC Coalition Alliance

The Labour Party (LP) is engulfed in internal strife as Abayomi Arabambi, a prominent chieftain and former spokesperson of the Lamidi Apapa-led faction, has declared that former presidential candidate Peter Obi will be expelled from the party for associating with the African Democratic Congress (ADC)-led opposition coalition.

Arabambi, speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Tuesday, said Obi’s alignment with the ADC coalition amounts to anti-party activity and disqualifies him from remaining a member of the LP. His comments reflect the escalating tension within the party following Obi’s recent move to partner with a broader opposition front aimed at building an inclusive democratic movement ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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 “Obi Will Be Expelled” – Arabambi Declares on Channels TV

In no uncertain terms, Arabambi stated that Peter Obi, the former Anambra governor and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has lost his legitimacy within the party. “Let me make it very clear: we are convening a NEC [National Executive Council] meeting where he will be expelled,” Arabambi announced during the broadcast.

He accused Obi of breaching the party’s constitution by aligning with another political platform while still claiming membership of the LP. “You don’t go and join another political party and, at the same time, still claim to belong to your original party. It is unconstitutional for someone to be in two political parties at the same time,” he added.

Obi’s participation in the ADC-led coalition has drawn both praise and criticism. While the move is widely seen as an effort to unite the fractured opposition and offer a stronger challenge to the ruling party in 2027, it has also created deep rifts within his own party.

Internal Party Divisions Deepen

In response to Obi’s coalition involvement, the Julius Abure-led LP leadership issued a 48-hour ultimatum demanding his resignation from the party. However, this ultimatum was rejected by another faction of the LP led by Nenadi Usman, which argued that Obi’s actions do not warrant such drastic measures.

Arabambi dismissed the Usman-led group, claiming they hold no constitutional standing within the party. “We only have one leadership under Barrister Julius Abure as the national chairman, and Alhaji Farouk Umar Ibrahim as the national secretary,” he said. He further mocked Usman’s involvement, referencing her alleged appointment by Obi to a “yam festival committee,” suggesting her role lacks political weight.

Arabambi also stressed that the party’s constitution makes no provision for any caretaker committee. “As of today, in our party — and according to our constitution — we do not have anything like a ‘caretaker,’ even under that name,” he insisted.

Citing Section 222 of Nigeria’s constitution, he added, “Political parties shall not be headed by any caretaker. Leaders must be duly elected. So, our constitution aligns with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Obi’s Role in the Coalition and Arabambi’s Rebuttal

Peter Obi, in earlier remarks, had said that joining the ADC-led coalition was a carefully considered decision that aligns with his long-term goal of offering Nigerians a viable political alternative. He framed the move as an opportunity to promote inclusive governance and credible opposition.

Arabambi, however, was scathing in his response. He labeled the coalition as a “Yahoo Yahoo” alliance, questioning its legitimacy and accusing its leaders of deceiving Obi. “They have been able to deceive him to their side — and there he shall remain,” he said.

He further claimed that Obi had been under suspension even before joining the coalition, suggesting this latest action only reinforces the justification for his eventual expulsion. “A NEC meeting will be called shortly where Obi will be recommended for expulsion, and that will be confirmed finally at our convention, in line with our constitution,” he said.

Obi’s Legacy in Question

Arabambi also dismissed the widely held view that Peter Obi was responsible for the Labour Party’s surge in popularity during the 2023 elections. He called Obi a “child of circumstance,” implying that his rise in the party was more accidental than earned through internal merit or loyalty.

The situation has left the Labour Party visibly fractured, with conflicting factions staking claim to its leadership and future direction. As the 2027 elections approach, the outcome of this internal conflict may significantly impact the opposition’s ability to present a united front.

For now, Arabambi’s bold declaration signals an intensifying power struggle within the LP—one that may lead to legal battles, party realignments, and further political drama in the months to come.