Labour Party Explodes: Peter Obi Given 48 Hours to Resign Over ADC Coalition Involvement
A fresh political storm is brewing within the Labour Party as its embattled 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, faces a 48-hour ultimatum to resign from the party. The demand, issued by the Julius Abure-led faction on Thursday, comes in the wake of Obi’s controversial appearance at the unveiling of a new opposition coalition platform, the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Obi’s silent alignment with the ADC has sparked outrage within Labour ranks, with party leaders accusing him of double loyalty and political betrayal.
“You cannot be in one party during the day and in another by night,” said party spokesman Obiora Ifoh, delivering the party’s stern message. “Peter Gregory Obi must formally resign. The Labour Party is not part of this ADC arrangement and completely disassociates itself from its agenda.”
Coalition of Convenience or Change?
Obi’s appearance alongside political veterans like Atiku Abubakar, David Mark, and others at the ADC’s unveiling is seen by Labour leaders as a desperate coalition of recycled politicians rather than a genuine movement for reform.
In sharp contrast to Obi’s 2023 campaign, which captivated Nigerian youths with the promise of a “New Nigeria,” the ADC coalition, Labour claims, represents everything the youths voted against.
“What we see is a club of worn-out politicians seeking political rehabilitation,” Ifoh declared. “This is not the future Nigerian youths voted for.”
Secret Meetings, Divided Allegiances
The party also accused Obi of holding “nocturnal meetings” to secretly lobby Labour members to defect to ADC, a move seen as further proof of disloyalty and hidden agendas.
“We are aware of several secret meetings between Peter Obi and our members. While some have resisted, we will not hesitate to demand the resignation of anyone aligning with him,” Ifoh warned.
Labour Party Draws the Line
Unlike former APC members Rotimi Amaechi and Abubakar Malami, who publicly resigned from their party before joining ADC, Obi has yet to formally withdraw from the Labour Party, despite aligning himself with the coalition. This, the party says, is unacceptable.
The Abure-led faction insists that Labour must remain a platform of discipline, integrity, and loyalty, not a political stepping stone for individuals pursuing dual ambitions.
“The Labour Party will not serve as a bus stop for politicians switching lanes when convenient,” the statement reads.
What’s at Stake for 2027?
As Nigeria edges closer to the 2027 general elections, the growing internal rift within the opposition could weaken its chances of mounting a serious challenge to the ruling APC. If Obi fails to resolve this political identity crisis, he risks losing credibility among both loyal supporters and new allies.
For a movement once hailed as the “Third Force” in Nigerian politics, the Labour Party now finds itself at a critical crossroads, torn between preserving its ideals and dealing with high-profile internal rebellion.
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Labour Party Explodes: Peter Obi Given 48 Hours to Resign Over ADC Coalition Involvement