The Labour Party has issued a stern 48-hour ultimatum to its 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, demanding that he formally resign from the party following reports of his alleged involvement with a new political coalition.
This development was confirmed in a statement released on Thursday, July 3, by Obiora Ifoh, the National Publicity Secretary of the faction of the party led by Barrister Julius Abure.
According to the statement, the Labour Party is distancing itself from the newly formed coalition, describing its members as “power mongers” who prioritize personal ambition over national interest. The party warned Nigerians that the widely echoed slogan “a new Nigeria is possible” is being misused by a group of “recycled, frustrated, and desperate politicians” incapable of delivering the change they claim to represent.
“The same individuals who have mismanaged Nigeria for decades are now regrouping under this coalition. It is an alliance of opportunists, not reformers,” the statement read.
The Labour Party claimed to be aware of secret meetings allegedly held by Mr. Obi with certain members of the party, aiming to persuade them to defect and join his rumored new political alignment. However, the party stated that several members have resisted such pressure and remain loyal to the Labour Party.
“We reiterate that Labour Party is not part of the coalition,” the statement declared. “Any of our members who are part of the said coalition are hereby given 48 hours to resign from the party officially. We will not entertain individuals playing dual roles or pretending loyalty to Labour while secretly working for another agenda.”
Ifoh criticized the alleged duplicity of some political figures, accusing them of having “one leg in the Labour Party and the other in the coalition.” He emphasized that the party cannot support individuals with questionable loyalty.
He further stated that the vision of a new Nigeria, especially among the youth—who make up nearly 70% of the population—is incompatible with the ambitions of the coalition’s members.
“These people are only interested in reentering the corridors of power. They do not represent the ideals of a New Nigeria,” Ifoh stressed. “The Labour Party remains the true platform for that transformation and is committed to leading the charge.”
The statement concluded with a call to all party faithful to remain united and focused ahead of future elections, ensuring the party structure remains solid.
“We urge all members to stay loyal and committed to the party’s mission. The road to a New Nigeria is still through the Labour Party,” he affirmed.
