The National Publicity Secretary of Labour Party, Mr. Abayomi Arabambi, has announced that the party leadership is planning to expel its 2023 Presidential candidate, Peter Obi, citing anti-party activities.
Arabambi made this revelation on Friday during a press conference in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital, pointing to Obi's involvement in a new coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the primary reason for the planned expulsion.
"Obi was there when they swore in David Mark, he was there when they swore in Rauf Aregbesola, so, he doesn't have any excuse," Arabambi stated. "We are not in support of this and he was properly introduced as leader of Labour Party that came to support the coalition. So as far as we are concerned we wish him well, he's no longer part of Labour Party."
The coalition in question, which has former Senate President David Mark as interim national chairman and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as national secretary, reportedly aims to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections.
Arabambi did not mince words in his criticism of Obi, saying, "The problem we have with him is that he is not a suitable politician, he's a man looking for an avenue to divide Nigeria, to legalize corruption, crime and stealing. He's looking for a party to achieve that and Labour Party is not on ground for such."
According to the party spokesperson, the formal expulsion of Obi, along with Senator Ireti Kingibe, will be finalized at the party's next National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting. He accused Kingibe of failing to pay her staff salaries.
In a significant development, Arabambi also unveiled Faduri Oluwadare Joseph as one of the party's presidential aspirants for the 2027 general election. He praised Faduri's approach as being "rooted in accountability, transparency, and the kind of disciplined governance that Nigeria desperately needs," drawing a contrast with Obi's leadership style.
"Faduri understands that Nigeria's problems could not be solved with soundbites. He recognised that poverty alleviation required more than distributing rice; it demanded systemic reforms in education, healthcare, and job creation. Unlike Obi, who often spoke in absolutes, Faduri's approach was nuanced, practical, and devoid of populist gimmicks," Arabambi explained.
BenriNews reports that Arabambi had previously announced on national television the party's intention to present a female presidential candidate in 2027. When questioned about this apparent change in strategy, he responded that "Politics is dynamic and open, we can welcome anyone."
Meanwhile, Peter Obi has reportedly declared that he remains a member of the Labour Party and intends to run for President in 2027, setting the stage for what could be a significant internal party conflict in the coming months.
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