A fresh wave of turmoil has hit the Labour Party (LP) as party chieftain Abayomi Arabambi has declared that former presidential candidate Peter Obi and Abia State Governor Alex Otti will soon be expelled from the party.
Speaking in an interview with TVC, Arabambi accused Obi, Otti, and other party figures of fueling internal discord, and said their formal expulsion would be finalized at the party’s upcoming national convention.
“These characters troubling our party are only after their selfish interests. We won’t allow them to destroy what we’ve built,” Arabambi said. “They’re already under suspension, and I assure you they will be expelled soon.”
He also dismissed claims that Julius Abure had been removed as LP National Chairman by the Supreme Court, asserting that Abure remains the legitimate party leader. Arabambi emphasized that only a properly constituted national convention can resolve the deepening crisis within the party.
The internal rift escalated further after the LP National Executive Council, led by a faction chaired by Nenadi Usman, suspended Abure for allegedly continuing to parade himself as chairman despite a court ruling. Usman also accused Abure of corruption, claims Arabambi rejected while launching a personal attack on her, calling her the “headmistress of corruption” and alleging she is under trial and negotiating a plea bargain.
Arabambi also criticized the influence of the Obidient movement and questioned the legitimacy of some of its leaders. “Nenadi coordinated the Obedient group but is not a registered member of our party. That’s why she won’t be expelled — you can’t expel someone who doesn’t belong,” he said.
The crisis has resulted in a flurry of suspensions. Abure’s camp previously announced the indefinite suspension of Governor Otti, Senator Ireti Kingibe, and four others. The party’s internal divisions now threaten to undermine its cohesion ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Observers say the Labour Party, once galvanized by Obi’s 2023 presidential bid and a surge in youth support, is now at a crossroads as factions battle for control and legitimacy.
