Obi not representing us at coalition talks, says Apapa-led LP faction

The Lamidi Apapa-led faction of the Labour Party (LP) says Peter Obi is not representing the party in any coalition discussions ahead of the 2027 general election.

In a statement issued on Monday and signed by Abayomi Arabambi, national publicity secretary of the faction, the party said Obi’s involvement in the talks is a personal political move not backed by the LP.

The statement was in response to a press release by Nenadi Usman, circulated through her aide, Ken Asogwa, which suggested that Obi was leading coalition efforts on behalf of the LP.

“The statement is disjointed, full of lies, and clearly designed to deceive the public,” Arabambi said.

He accused Usman of attempting to mislead Nigerians with conflicting claims, including an alleged endorsement of Obi’s coalition involvement.

“She said, through contradictory statements, that she approved Obi’s participation in the talks — but in what capacity, and on whose authority?” the party asked.

Arabambi said the faction would normally ignore what it called “puerile lies” but had to clarify the “misinformation” for the sake of the public.

“The desperate actions of these political mercenaries show an obvious intent to destabilise the Labour Party,” he said.

“Their statement is not only laughable and ridiculous but also an embarrassment to the party’s leadership.”

The party maintained that Obi has no mandate from the LP to engage in any alliance or coalition.

“Peter Obi is not speaking for the Labour Party and is not involved in any talks on behalf of the party towards the 2027 elections,” the statement added.

“Whatever he is doing is for his own selfish political ambition.”

The faction urged Nigerians to dismiss the claims and described Usman’s group as political opportunists trying to manipulate public opinion.

“It is a taboo for Satan to preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ to sinners, just as Satan cannot invite Christ to a family dinner,” the faction said.

“We urge the public to ignore the misguided statement from Ms Nenadi Usman and her band of desperate political attention seekers.”