The Labour Party (LP) officially endorsed former presidential candidate Peter Obi’s decision to join the National Coalition of Political Opposition Movement under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), sparking a fierce backlash from within the party.
Senator Nenadi Usman, chair of the LP’s caretaker committee, praised Obi’s move as a strategic step toward the 2027 elections, stating, “This coalition reflects the party’s commitment to uniting Nigerians for competent leadership.” However, Usman sharply criticized National Chairman Julius Abure, accusing him of mismanaging the party and failing to address its internal crises, which have seen 30% of members defect since 2024.
The approval came after a contentious National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on July 2, where 60% of the 200 attendees voted to support Obi’s bridge-building efforts with figures like Atiku Abubakar and David Mark. Usman, appointed in September 2024 to stabilize the party amid leadership disputes, argued that Abure’s tenure, extended beyond its constitutional limit, has eroded LP’s 6 million-member base.
Abure, defiant, called the endorsement a “sham,” claiming his faction retains control and accusing Usman of aligning with external forces. The rift, costing N50 million in legal battles, has led to dueling press conferences, with 70% of LP supporters backing Obi’s coalition vision for a 15 million-vote target in 2027.