The crisis within the Labour Party (LP) deepened on Wednesday as the party’s Caretaker Committee, led by Senator Nenadi Usman, strongly dismissed a 48-hour ultimatum issued to Peter Obi and branded Julius Abure an “impostor.”
The rebuttal came through a statement signed by Ken Eluma Asogwa, media aide to the acting National Chairman. The party described the ultimatum as nothing more than a mischievous attempt to cause confusion, especially after Obi’s recent appearance at the unveiling of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition in Abuja.
“The attention of the Labour Party has been drawn to misleading reports suggesting that His Excellency, Mr. Peter Obi, has been given a 48-hour ultimatum to resign. Let it be clear—this is false, and frankly, laughable,” the statement read.
The party clarified that Mr. Obi’s involvement in coalition talks was fully backed by the legitimate leadership of the party. They had, on May 26, 2025, publicly supported his efforts to build a viable alternative that could challenge the current ruling party and deliver real change for Nigerians.
“We stand by that position,” the statement affirmed. “Mr. Obi’s participation in the coalition was not only approved but encouraged by the Labour Party.”
Taking a swipe at the Abure-led faction, the statement labeled them “political jesters” with no legal or constitutional authority. It noted that the Supreme Court had already removed them from leadership and that they remain suspended for what the party called “serial acts of indiscipline and anti-party behavior.”
“What they’re doing now is simply clinging to the ruins of the confusion they left behind. We are working hard to clean up the mess,” the statement continued.
The Nenadi Usman-led committee urged Nigerians and the media to ignore distractions from “discredited elements” and stressed that the only authentic voice of the party lies with its current leadership.
“In case anyone is in doubt,” the statement concluded, “the official position of the Labour Party on any matter comes solely from the office of Senator Nenadi Usman.”
