The Labour Party’s Acting National Chairman, Nenadi Usman, has publicly thrown her weight behind Peter Obi’s decision to join the newly formed opposition coalition spearheaded by former Senate President David Mark, signaling a new phase in Nigeria’s pre-2027 political realignment.
In a strongly worded statement issued Saturday, Usman confirmed that the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) had approved Obi’s participation in the coalition talks, declaring that it reflects the party’s broader strategy to rescue Nigeria from the APC-led administration.
“Peter Obi has our full support. His decision to join the opposition coalition aligns with the Labour Party’s mission to reposition the country,” Usman stated.
“Abure and His Gang Are Political Jesters” Usman Fires Back
Usman used the opportunity to address the recent controversy stirred by the Julius Abure-led faction, which had demanded Peter Obi’s resignation from the party over his coalition involvement.
She dismissed their ultimatum as “political comedy”, stating emphatically that the faction has no legal or organizational standing within the party structure.
“These individuals parading themselves as party leaders are nothing more than political jesters. They were lawfully removed by the Supreme Court and hold no legitimacy,” Usman said.
According to her, any claims or decisions made by the Abure-led group are null and void, and the public should disregard their actions.
Labour Party Shifts Toward Strategic Alliances for 2027
Usman’s endorsement of Obi’s move signals a clear alignment between the Labour Party and the emerging opposition front, widely believed to include key figures from the PDP, ADC, NNPP, and other anti-APC blocs.
Insiders believe the coalition could produce a single presidential candidate in 2027 possibly Obi himself to challenge President Bola Tinubu or any APC successor in what’s already shaping up to be a fiercely contested election.
“The Labour Party is not interested in internal distractions. We’re focused on building a united front capable of defeating incompetence and corruption,” Usman said.
Obi’s Political Momentum Grows Amid Party Turmoil
Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential flagbearer, has maintained a strong national presence post-election, frequently meeting with other opposition leaders and advocating for unified resistance against what he describes as “APC’s disastrous governance.”
Despite internal party challenges, Obi’s coalition move appears to have re-energized his base, especially with the party leadership now publicly backing him.
