Fresh divisions have surfaced within the Labour Party (LP) ahead of the 2027 elections, as its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Abayomi Arabambi, has dismissed the prospect of former presidential candidate Mr Peter Obi contesting on the party’s platform again.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Lunchtime Politics on Monday, Arabambi asserted that the Labour Party is strong enough to stand on its own. He argued that the party’s performance in 2023 was fuelled more by youth mobilisation and the #EndSARS movement than by the influence of any single individual.
“We are going to do our 2027 without Peter Obi; he will not have our ticket,” Arabambi declared.
His remarks followed Obi’s recent alliance with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) during the August by-elections. Although Obi explained that his support for the ADC came only in constituencies where the Labour Party had no candidates, the LP leadership has dismissed his explanation as anti-party behaviour.
Arabambi went further to question Obi’s commitment, accusing him of maintaining divided loyalties. “He has one leg in Labour Party, one leg in PDP, and one leg in ADC,” he alleged, challenging the former Anambra State governor to formally resign if he intends to pursue another platform.
The development points to mounting tension within the party as it shapes its strategy for 2027. Obi, who secured more than six million votes in the 2023 presidential election, remains one of the most prominent figures in opposition politics, but the LP leadership appears intent on redefining its identity independently of him.
“The momentum in 2023 was not because of Peter Obi, but because of EndSARS,” Arabambi said, insisting the party will chart a new course.
