By Sandra Ugwu 

As the 2027 race gathers momentum, the Labour Party’s deepening divisions raise critical questions about the fate of the once-vibrant Obidient Movement, and whether it can rediscover its unity or become another casualty of Nigeria’s relentless political fragmentation.

Fresh turmoil has erupted within the party as rival factions loyal to the embattled National Chairman, Julius Abure, and Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, clash over reports that former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, may be considering an alliance with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the next general election.

The renewed confrontation, which has reignited old tensions within the LP, follows speculation that Obi is exploring a broader coalition with the ADC and other opposition blocs to strengthen his chances against President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

Prince Tony Akeni, factional National Publicity Secretary for the Otti–Obi camp, argued that Tinubu’s government can be defeated if opposition forces rally around a single, credible candidate.

He accused the president of prioritising political manoeuvring over governance, warning that such a strategy could backfire. “What should be conveyed to Tinubu and his brinksmen is sympathy,” Akeni said. “We in the Labour Party sympathise with him because he is carrying, with this decamping domino, a nest of soldier ants.”

Akeni also called on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to abandon his presidential ambition and support Obi in the national interest. “If Atiku truly loves this country, he should support Obi for the presidency. He can then choose anyone he wants - even his lastborn, as vice president,” he said.

However, the Abure-led faction swiftly dismissed the idea of a merger or coalition, maintaining that the Labour Party remains strong and independent enough to win elections on its own.

Factional spokesman, Obiora Ifoh, stated that the party “has not held any discussion with anybody,” adding that “politics is dynamic, but today the Labour Party stands firmly on its own because we believe any candidate we present can win in 2027.”

He further cautioned that there would be no automatic ticket for any aspirant, emphasising the importance of internal democracy.

On the wave of defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Ifoh described the movement as driven by “self-preservation, greed and fear,” insisting that Nigerians, not political defectors, will determine the 2027 outcome.

“Some are defecting because they want to protect their ambitions, others to escape prosecution. But Nigerians will decide who becomes president, governor or senator in 2027,” he said.

He warned that the growing dominance of the APC could endanger Nigeria’s democracy, calling it a “gravitational pull that fuels impunity and weakens the opposition.”

With both factions hardening their positions, the Labour Party faces a defining moment, one that may determine whether it can rebuild its internal cohesion or fade into the background of Nigeria’s turbulent political landscape.