Abuja, Nigeria – Tensions within the Labour Party escalated over the weekend as the party’s National Chairman, Julius Abure, publicly declared that Peter Obi, its 2023 presidential candidate, lacks the authority to represent the party in any coalition or alliance talks.
Abure’s statement came in response to growing speculation that Obi is engaging with opposition elements to form a new political coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections. Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja, Abure emphasized that the party’s leadership has neither sanctioned nor been consulted on such moves.
“Peter Obi contested under the platform of the Labour Party, but he does not own the party. Decisions of this magnitude must be taken by the leadership and organs of the party, not unilaterally,” Abure stated.
The comments have reignited concerns about internal divisions in the Labour Party, which surged to national prominence during the 2023 elections under Obi’s leadership. While Obi remains a popular figure among a large section of the electorate—particularly the youth—his relationship with the party’s national leadership has appeared increasingly strained.
Abure insisted that while the party remains open to strategic political collaborations, any such alliance must follow due process and be ratified by the party’s National Executive Council.
Political analysts say this development could complicate efforts to build a united front against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next election cycle.
Efforts to reach Peter Obi’s camp for comment were unsuccessful as of press time.
Meanwhile, Labour Party insiders suggest that the growing rift may lead to a formal reconfiguration of political alignments in the months ahead, especially if Obi chooses to float or join another political movement.
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