The Julius Abure-led faction of the Labour Party (LP) has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to former presidential candidate Peter Obi, demanding that he resign from the party following his decision to join the newly formed opposition coalition.
This directive was contained in a statement released on Thursday, July 3, 2025, and signed by the faction’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, in Abuja.
Ifoh emphasized that the Labour Party under Abure’s leadership remains firmly opposed to the coalition, describing its members as “power mongers” solely driven by self-interest rather than the welfare of the people.
“Peter Gregory Obi has 48 hours to formally resign his membership of the Labour Party, having officially aligned with the coalition party,” the statement declared.
Obi, in a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account, acknowledged the seriousness of the decision, stating that joining the African Democratic Congress (ADC) — the adopted platform of the coalition — followed “deep reflection” on Nigeria’s challenges and the need for urgent national redirection.
He wrote:
“Yesterday, the coalition members formally adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 Nigeria General Elections, with Senator David Mark as National Chairman and H.E. Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary. Our united commitment is to ensure Nigeria gets competent, capable, and compassionate leadership that prioritizes the nation’s future and the welfare of its people.”
However, Ifoh accused Obi of holding clandestine meetings with some LP members, allegedly trying to persuade them to defect to the coalition.
“We are aware of several nocturnal meetings between Peter Obi and some of our members, lobbying them to join him in his new party,” Ifoh claimed. “Fortunately, many have declined.”
He stressed that the Labour Party remains uninvolved in the coalition and warned that any party members found to be participating must resign within 48 hours.
“Labour Party will not be a platform for double agents or individuals with divided loyalty,” Ifoh said. “Those who claim LP by day and coalition by night must choose a side.”
Ifoh also criticized the motives behind the coalition, questioning its credibility in delivering the “New Nigeria” envisioned by Nigerian youths.
“Nearly 70% of the Nigerian population are youths who are disillusioned with the old guard. Unfortunately, the coalition doesn’t represent the change they seek,” he said.
“These are opportunistic politicians desperate to claw their way back into power, not agents of transformation.”
The spokesperson reaffirmed the Labour Party’s commitment to national renewal and urged loyal members to remain steadfast and protect the party’s structure and values.
