The Acting National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), Nenadi Usman, has affirmed that the party fully supports its 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in joining the opposition coalition spearheaded by David Mark.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Usman criticized the Julius Abure-led faction of the party, describing them as “political jesters without any legitimate authority within the Labour Party.”
Speaking through her aide, Ken Asogwa, Usman emphasized that Abure and his associates—who recently issued a 48-hour ultimatum demanding Obi’s resignation—have no legal or party recognition. She noted that they were previously removed by the Supreme Court and suspended from the party for repeated acts of misconduct and anti-party behavior.
Usman reiterated that the Labour Party had officially endorsed Obi’s involvement in the coalition discussions.
The acting LP chair said, “For the avoidance of doubt, the leadership of the Labour Party, on May 26, 2025, publicly declared its full support for Mr. Obi’s involvement in the coalition efforts aimed at creating a robust political alternative to rescue Nigeria from the disastrous misrule of the APC. That position has not changed.
“We wish to reaffirm that 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.
“It is the remnants of the disorder and mess left behind by these impostors that the current leadership under Senator Nenadi Usman continues to clean. Therefore, members of the public, and especially the media, are urged to disregard the distractions and mischief from these discredited elements.”
Leaders and members of the opposition coalition had on Wednesday met in Abuja and announced the African Democratic Party (ADC) as the platform for the 2027 election.
They selected former Senate President David Mark and ex-Osun governor Rauf Aregbesola as interim National Chair and Secretary, respectively.
Aside from Obi, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai; former Rivers governor Rotimi Amaechi, and many others were present at the meeting. Others include Dino Melaye, Solomon Dalong, Dele Momodu, Gabriel Suswam, Ireti Kingibe, Emeka Ihedioha, Sadique Abubakar.