Atiku Coalition: The Labor Party Faction led by Abure gave Peter Obi 48 hours

A faction from the Labor Party (LP) which is loyal to the National Party Chairperson, Julius Abure, has issued a 48 -hour ultimatum to former presidential candidate Peter Obi, demanding that he resigned from the party for his developing relationship with the newly formed opposition coalition.

In a statement released on Thursday, the group spokesman, Obiora Ifoh, condemned Obi’s involvement in what he called “Bromance” with a political alliance led by David Mark. The coalition, launched in Abuja on Wednesday, announced the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its official platform for the 2027 general election.

Ifoh accused that the coalition consisted of “hopeless and recycled politicians” which, at various times, contributed to wrong Nigeria, and therefore did not have the credibility to deliver “New Nigeria” which is often adopted by OBI.

“We are aware of several night meetings between Peter Obi and some of our members, lobbying them to join him in his new party,” said Ifoh. “We are also aware that some of them have refused to defect with him.”

Faction emphasized that the labor party was not part of the coalition and emphasized that one of its members who participated in the alliance must resign from their LP membership within 48 hours.

“The labor party is not available for people with a double agenda or deceptive personality,” added the statement. “The party will not use itself for people who have one foot on the other hand and the other legs in another place.”

The statement further described members of the opposition coalition as “opportunistic politician” who intended to regain power rather than giving sincere reform.

The meeting of the opposition leaders on Wednesday in Abuja resulted in the election of former Senate President David Mark as the temporary national chairman and former State Governor Osun Rauf Aregbesola as the National Secretary of the Interim Coalition. The event was attended by leading political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Governor Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna), Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Emeka Imedoha (IMO), and Gabriel Suswam (Benue).

Other people present included Senator Dino Melaye, former Minister of Youth and Sports Solomon Dalung, Dele Momodu Publisher, Senator Ireeti Kingibe, and former Chief of Air Staff Sadique Abubakar.

While Obi has not officially responded to the ultimatum, his presence at a coalition meeting has intensified speculation about the possibility of more extensive political defense and rearrangement ahead of the 2027 election.

The Labor Party, which jumped into a national excellence during the 2023 presidential election under Obi’s leadership, now faces internal tensions when the party navigating the future and its attitude to the opposition movement that arises.