The Labour Party (LP) has ruled out any possibility of its former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, returning to the party, as a top official declares support for President Bola Tinubu’s second-term bid amid ongoing internal realignments.
Party leadership takes position
Abayomi Arabambi, the party’s National Vice Chairman (South-West), made the position known during an interview on News Central on Thursday.
He said the party leadership had already reached a consensus on its political direction after months of internal crisis and consultations involving key stakeholders.
According to him, discussions across factions within the party influenced the decision to move forward without revisiting past alliances.
Obi’s return dismissed
Arabambi dismissed speculations that efforts were underway to bring Obi back into the party, insisting such moves would not succeed.
Reacting to reported attempts by Nenadi Usman, he said any push to reintegrate the former candidate was not in the party’s interest.
He added that the leadership had no plans to reopen talks on Obi’s return.
Blame over 2023 elections
The LP chieftain also criticised Obi and his supporters over the party’s performance in the 2023 general election.
He alleged that internal lapses, particularly logistical challenges at polling units, contributed to the party’s outcome, rejecting claims that external forces were solely responsible.
Shift towards Tinubu
In a significant development, Arabambi disclosed that the party had agreed to support President Bola Tinubu for a second term.
He said the decision reflects a new political direction aimed at avoiding past mistakes.
According to him, members of the party are now committed to working towards Tinubu’s re-election.
What it means
The stance signals a major shift within the Labour Party, marking a clear break from its 2023 presidential campaign and indicating fresh alignments ahead of future elections.
“Obi can never come back to Labour Party.”
Labour Party member @Arabambifemi says Peter Obi will not be readmitted to the party, describing his return as impossible. pic.twitter.com/WgKqzrOYVe
— News Central TV (@NewsCentralTV) April 16, 2026