The Labour Party plans to expel Peter Obi over his alleged involvement in an opposition coalition, citing dual political loyalty and unconstitutional behaviour
The Labour Party has disclosed plans to expel its former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over his continued involvement in an emerging opposition coalition.
Also read: Labour Party Gives 48 Hours Ultimatum to Peter Obi Over ADC Coalition Defection
This move, according to party chieftain Abayomi Arabambi, stems from what the party describes as Obi’s “unconstitutional dual loyalty” and “unauthorised political association” with a rival bloc seeking to unseat President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Tuesday, Arabambi announced that the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) would convene to formally recommend Obi’s expulsion, asserting that it was not permissible for a member to align with two political groups simultaneously.
“We are convening a NEC meeting where he will be expelled. It is unconstitutional for you to belong to two political parties at the same time. Obi will be expelled from our party,” Arabambi stated firmly.
He also derided the opposition bloc, referring to it as a “yahoo yahoo coalition”, accusing its members of political opportunism.
Arabambi, who serves as the Labour Party’s National Publicity Secretary, added that Obi no longer had the right to identify as a party member while “hobnobbing with outsiders.”
In a pointed rebuttal to public sentiment, Arabambi sought to dispel the idea that Obi was the central force behind the Labour Party’s rising popularity in 2023.
“Obi did not make the Labour Party; the Labour Party made Peter Obi,” he said.
“It was the goodwill of the party, fuelled by public frustration after the #EndSARS protests, that gave Obi the platform.”
He further accused Obi of causing internal party tensions, adding that his “authoritarian tendencies” were incompatible with collective leadership.
Arabambi also stressed that the party remained united under Julius Abure, rejecting claims of factionalism:
“We do not have groups in the Labour Party. We have only one leadership under Julius Abure, our national chairman.”
Arabambi’s comments came on the heels of a 48-hour ultimatum issued by the Abure-led faction last week.
In a July 3 statement, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, warned Obi and others aligned with the new coalition to resign or face disciplinary action.
“Labour Party is not part of the coalition,” Ifoh wrote.
“Anyone involved must formally resign from the party. We are not a shelter for dual agendas or deceptive personas.”
The controversy follows the unveiling of a new opposition coalition, which adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its official platform for the 2027 elections.
Former Senate President David Mark was named interim national chairman, and ex-Osun governor Rauf Aregbesola as secretary.
High-profile politicians who attended the July 2 meeting in Abuja include Atiku Abubakar, Nasir El-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, Dino Melaye, Dele Momodu, Emeka Ihedioha, Gabriel Suswam, Sadique Abubakar, and Peter Obi.
Also read: Peter Obi Urges Compassion, Criticises Tinubu’s Leadership Style
While Obi has yet to officially respond to the expulsion threat, the unfolding crisis underscores deepening rifts within the opposition as political realignment gains momentum ahead of the 2027 elections.
