Nigeria’s Labour Party (LP) has threatened to expel its former presidential candidate Peter Obi following his decision to join a new opposition coalition led by the African Democratic Congress (ADC), aimed at challenging President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.

In a strongly worded statement on Thursday, the Julius Abure-led faction of the LP gave Obi 48 hours to resign from the party or face expulsion, accusing him of aligning with politicians it described as “recycled and desperate.”

Obi, who was the LP’s presidential flag bearer in the 2023 election, joined forces with key opposition figures under the ADC platform on Wednesday. The coalition, still in its early stages, is intended to serve as a unified vehicle for anti-Tinubu forces in the run-up to the next election.

But the Labour Party leadership says it was neither consulted nor supportive of the coalition move.

“Labour Party has consistently said it is not part of the coalition,” said Obiora Ifoh, LP’s national publicity secretary. “Any of our members who has joined this new alliance must resign within 48 hours or face expulsion.”

Ifoh accused Obi of holding secret meetings with LP members to lobby support for the ADC-led coalition, a move he said undermines party unity and loyalty.

“The new Nigeria cannot be built on duplicity and opportunism. Obi’s association with the coalition is inconsistent with the principles and direction of the Labour Party,” he said.

Obi has not yet officially responded to the ultimatum, but sources close to his camp suggest he sees the coalition as a necessary step to form a credible opposition capable of winning in 2027.

The latest fallout highlights the deepening rift between Obi and the LP leadership, as the party struggles to assert control over its ranks following its surprise performance in 2023, when Obi surged to third place with massive support from young and urban voters.

Political observers warn that the split could weaken opposition prospects if not resolved.

“Obi remains the most recognisable face of the LP. Forcing him out could backfire and fracture the opposition further,” said Dr. Usman Ahmed, a political analyst based in Abuja.

The Abure faction insists that LP is the true engine of political renewal in Nigeria and warned members against being “used by politicians who have failed the country before.”