The Labour Party has distanced itself from recent political activities of its 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, warning that his continued involvement with a third force coalition is unauthorized and poses a direct affront to the party’s leadership and internal processes.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Sunday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, the Labour Party made it clear that while it remains open to all aspirants ahead of the 2027 general election, it will not tolerate actions that undermine its unity, discipline, and independence.

“The leadership of the Labour Party has observed with growing concern the recent political moves by Mr. Peter Obi, particularly his continued engagement with a coalition movement that operates completely outside the purview of the party,” the statement read.

Obi, who recently hinted at a 2027 comeback under the Labour Party platform, was reportedly seen attending a meeting with a coalition of political actors in Abuja—an event the party says was conducted without its consent or participation.

“This act, done without consultation or consent, is a glaring show of disrespect and a direct challenge to the integrity of our internal democratic processes,” Ifoh stated.

The Labour Party emphasized that it is not part of any merger or alliance deal and warned that any attempt to conscript the party into external political formations would be firmly resisted.

“Mr. Obi’s association with an external political movement while laying claim to our presidential ticket raises serious questions about his intentions,” the party noted, adding, “The Labour Party is not a backup plan, nor will it be reduced to a mere vehicle for political convenience.”

Reaffirming its commitment to internal democracy, the party stressed that the 2027 presidential ticket remains open and will be contested in accordance with its rules and procedures.

“There will be no automatic endorsements,” Ifoh said.

The development signals rising tensions between Obi and the party that carried him through the 2023 general election, where he placed third.

While Obi has remained a key figure within the opposition movement, his recent coalition engagements have triggered concerns about parallel political structures and mixed loyalties.