Labour Party issues Peter Obi ultimatum after joining ADC coalition

Nigeria’s political landscape turned sharply tense as the Labour Party (LP), under the Julius Abure-led faction, issued a 48-hour ultimatum demanding that Peter Obi, its 2023 presidential candidate, resign from the party after officially joining the ADC-led opposition coalition. With accusations of dual loyalty and internal divisions now in full view, the situation raises urgent questions about party unity, strategy ahead of the 2027 elections, and Obi’s political future.

Why Labour Party Demands Obi’s Resignation

In a statement released on July 3, 2025, LP’s Publicity Secretary Obiora Ifoh accused Obi of harboring a “dual agenda”, stating he met with LP members to persuade them to defect to the new coalition. The statement emphasized that the party “will not entertain individuals with one leg in one party and the other leg elsewhere,” warning that Obi must either resign within 48 hours or face expulsion.

Obi’s Decision to Join ADC Coalition

Peter Obi was unveiled alongside political heavyweights such as Atiku Abubakar, Nasir El‐Rufai, and Rotimi Amaechi, under the banner of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Abuja. The coalition, forming as a united front against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), appointed David Mark as interim chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as secretary. Obi’s participation demonstrates his commitment to persuading other political actors toward a third-force alternative ahead of 2027.

Internal Factional Split Within Labour Party

LP faces growing internal discord. While the Abure-led faction demands Obi’s exit, the caretaker committee led by Nenadi Usman has dismissed the ultimatum as “mischievous” and lacking legal basis. Their spokesman, Ken Eluma Asogwa, stated that Obi’s coalition involvement had party approval, blocking attempts by “discredited elements” to cause disruption. The divide underscores deep-seated disagreements over LP’s strategic direction and governance.

Political and Strategic Implications

Obi’s ultimatum highlights a critical moment for both his future and LP’s identity. If he resigns, it could fracture the coalition’s unity and weaken LP ahead of the 2027 election. On the other hand, refusing to step down might prompt mass defections and isolate LP from its leading figures. Analysts caution that the standoff may reshape the opposition landscape, influencing how political alliances form and realign in the run-up to the next election cycle.

Public and Stakeholder Reactions

Reactions have been swift and divided. Former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad called the ultimatum “disrespectful”, arguing that Obi’s presence had significantly elevated LP’s profile. Meanwhile, some party loyalists applaud the hardline approach, claiming it protects LP from external power brokers. Social media and political commentators remain sharply split, mirroring the fractured stance within the party.

What Comes Next?

The clock is ticking. Peter Obi has until July 5 to respond. Analysts suggest possible outcomes include:

• Resignation, leading to internal LP rifts and weakened coalition strength.
• Defiance, prompting disciplinary action and possible exodus of members loyal to him.
• Resolution, if the caretaker committee prevails, potentially easing tensions but risking legitimacy questions from the Abure camp.

How Obi chooses to act will determine the shape of Nigeria’s opposition movement ahead of 2027 and may signal either consolidation or fragmentation of anti-APC efforts.

The 48‑hour ultimatum from the Abure-led LP faction places Peter Obi at a crossroads that may redefine his political career and the trajectory of the opposition. With Labour Party unity at stake, the coming days will reveal whether Nigeria’s emerging ‘third-force’ can hold together or buckle under internal pressure. One thing is clear: the fallout from this ultimatum will reverberate across the nation’s political landscape in ways yet to be fully understood.

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