Labour Party Chair Backs Peter Obi’s Move to Join Opposition Coalition
The Acting National Chairman of the Labour Party, Senator Nenadi Usman, has publicly endorsed Peter Obi’s decision to join a new opposition coalition, setting the record straight amid growing internal party tensions.
In a statement released Thursday through her aide, Ken Asogwa, Usman dismissed the criticisms from a faction led by Julius Abure, describing them as “political jesters” without any legitimate claim to Labour Party leadership. According to Usman, the group had already been removed by the Supreme Court and is no longer recognized by the party.
She further clarified that Obi’s involvement in coalition talks, including his presence at Wednesday’s high-profile gathering in Abuja, had the full backing of the Labour Party’s leadership.
“For clarity, we had already declared our support for Mr. Obi’s role in these coalition efforts during our public address on May 26,” Usman stated. “Our position remains unchanged: we fully support initiatives aimed at building a credible political alternative to restore Nigeria.”
Usman emphasized that the current leadership under her watch is focused on rebuilding the party after what she described as the “damage and confusion” left by the Abure-led faction.
At the heart of this development is the coalition meeting held in Abuja on July 2, 2025. The gathering brought together several notable figures across political lines, including former Senate President David Mark, who was named interim National Chair of the new coalition, and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, who was selected as interim Secretary.
Other prominent figures at the meeting included Atiku Abubakar, Nasir El-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, Dino Melaye, Dele Momodu, Gabriel Suswam, Ireti Kingibe, Emeka Ihedioha, Sadique Abubakar, Solomon Dalung, and many others—all signaling their commitment to forging a united front ahead of the 2027 elections.
While criticism has come from various quarters, including former allies now questioning the coalition’s intent, the Labour Party under Usman remains firm in its belief that bold moves like Obi’s are necessary to challenge the status quo.
“We encourage the public and the media to focus on the real issues,” Usman concluded. “The goal is simple: offer Nigerians a new path.”
