In a fiery pushback against what it called “calculated mischief and desperate impersonation,” the Labour Party has firmly denied issuing any ultimatum to Mr. Peter Obi, its 2023 presidential flagbearer, over his recent participation in a coalition that unveiled the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a political vehicle for 2027.
The party, in a strongly worded statement on Tuesday, described reports of a 48-hour resignation demand as the handiwork of “political jesters” and impostors with no legal or moral standing in the party structure. It reiterated that Obi’s involvement in the coalition talks was approved and supported by the authentic leadership of the party.
“Mr. Peter Obi’s participation in the coalition activities, including the ADC unveiling, was done with the full knowledge, approval, and support of the Labour Party leadership,” said Ken Eluma Asogwa, Senior Special Adviser on Media to the Acting National Chairman of a faction of the party, Senator Nenadi Usman.
The statement stressed that the individuals claiming to have issued the ultimatum had long been dismissed by the Supreme Court and suspended from the party for serial indiscipline and anti-party activities. The party insisted that these characters are not only unauthorised but are remnants of a discredited faction that once threw the party into chaos.
At the heart of this unfolding narrative is Obi’s growing national appeal and his central role in a coalition determined to unseat the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027. Despite his involvement in a broader political alliance, the Labour Party made it clear that Obi has not abandoned the party, and the party has not abandoned him.
“The only legitimate and authoritative source of information on Labour Party matters remains the office of Senator Nenadi Usman,” the statement read.
The clarification comes amid growing speculation about Obi’s political future and the possibility of a realignment ahead of the 2027 elections. But for the Labour Party, the message was simple: Obi remains one of their own, and any narrative to the contrary is both false and malicious.
As opposition figures consolidate under the ADC banner, analysts say the attack on Obi may be a sign of internal desperation from those who feel politically displaced or irrelevant in the emerging coalition dynamics.
But the Labour Party appears undeterred, stating it is now focused on restoring order and preparing for 2027 under credible leadership.
“The party is still cleaning up the mess left by these impostors,” Asogwa said. “What we will not allow is a hijack of the truth.”
With this latest rebuttal, the party has not only reaffirmed its loyalty to Obi but also sent a strong signal: the road to 2027 will not be dictated by chaos merchants or courtroom casualties.
