By Ghazali Ibrahim
The Labour Party (LP) has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to its former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to formally resign from the party following his reported involvement in a new opposition coalition platform.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, the party distanced itself from the emerging coalition, describing it as a gathering of “desperate, recycled, and frustrated politicians” with no capacity to deliver the much-talked-about “New Nigeria.”
“Labour Party is not available for people with dual agenda or deceptive persona,” Ifoh said.
“People who in the morning claim to be in Labour Party and by evening are in the coalition.”
The statement accused Obi of holding secret meetings to persuade LP members to defect with him, claiming that several have refused to follow his lead.
“We are aware of several nocturnal meetings between Peter Obi and some of our members, lobbying them to join him in his new party,” the statement added.
The party maintained that it is not part of the coalition, warning Nigerians not to be deceived by its promises.
It also asserted that the “New Nigeria” vision cannot be actualized by opportunistic politicians trying to relaunch themselves into power.
“Nearly 70 percent of Nigeria’s population are youths who are tired of the old order. The new Nigeria of their dreams cannot be built on the same foundation that ruined the old one.”
While reaffirming its independence and focus ahead of future elections, the Labour Party urged its members to stay loyal and preserve the party’s structure.
Peter Obi, who ran on the Labour Party platform in the 2023 presidential election and emerged as a leading opposition figure, is yet to publicly respond to the ultimatum.
