Abure-led LP convening NEC meeting to expel Obi, says Abayomi Arabambi

Abayomi Arabambi, a chieftain of the Labour Party (LP), says Peter Obi will be expelled from the party for joining the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition.

Speaking on Tuesday during ‘The Morning Brief’, a programme on Channels Television, Arabambi said the ex-Anambra governor has committed anti-party activities and no longer has a place in the LP.

Arabambi was spokesperson of the Lamidi Apapa-led faction of the LP.

His comments come in the wake of Obi’s attachment to the ADC-led coalition, a political alliance he said is aimed at strengthening democracy and building a new Nigeria.

Obi had said his decision to join the coalition was not made lightly, adding that the move aligns with his vision of creating an inclusive political alternative.

In reaction, the leadership of the Julius Abure-led LP issued a 48-hour ultimatum, asking Obi to resign from the party for aligning with the ADC coalition.

However, a faction of the party led by Nenadi Usman rejected the ultimatum, insisting Obi’s involvement in the coalition does not warrant such a demand.

Reacting to the internal divisions, Arabambi maintained that the Abure-led national leadership remains the only recognised authority in the party.

“We only have one leadership under Barrister Julius Abure as the national chairman, and Alhaji Farouk Umar Ibrahim as the national secretary,” he said.

“Probably, the people you are referring to are those associated with Nenadi Usman, whom Mr Peter Obi has graciously appointed as the chairman of their yam festival committee.”

Arabambi said the LP has no provision for a caretaker committee in name or practice.

“As of today, in our party — and according to our constitution — we do not have anything like a ‘caretaker,’ even under that name,” Arabambi said.

“Also, section 222 of the constitution is very clear: political parties shall not be headed by any caretaker. Leaders must be duly elected.

“So, our constitution aligns with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

He described Obi’s move to the ADC coalition as “unconstitutional”, saying the LP will soon convene a national executive council (NEC) meeting to formally expel him.

“Let me make it very clear: we are convening a NEC meeting where he will be expelled,” Arabambi said.

“You know, he was under suspension before he went ahead to commit those anti-party activities. You don’t go and join another political party and, at the same time, still claim to belong to your original party.

“It is unconstitutional for someone to be in two political parties at the same time.”

Arabambi accused members of the ADC coalition of deceitfully luring Obi.

“They have been able to deceive him to their side — and there he shall remain,” he said.

“A NEC meeting will be called shortly where Obi will be recommended for expulsion, and that will be confirmed finally at our convention, in line with our constitution and the constitutions of most political parties.

“Obi will be expelled from our party. He is no longer a member of our party. It is not within his right to tell us that he still belongs to the Labour Party while aligning himself with what we call a ‘Yahoo Yahoo’ coalition.”

The LP chieftain also refuted claims that Obi brought prominence to the party, stating that he was merely a “child of circumstance”.