A senior figure within Nigeria’s Labour Party (LP), Abayomi Arabambi, has stated that key leaders of the party have reached a consensus to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
Arabambi, who serves as the party’s National Vice Chairman for the South-West, made this assertion during a televised interview on News Central on Thursday, where he addressed ongoing political realignments and internal dynamics within the Labour Party.
Claimed Consensus Among Party Leadership
According to Arabambi, the decision to support President Tinubu’s second-term ambition reflects an understanding among influential figures within the party, including Abia State Governor Alex Otti. He indicated that discussions within the party’s leadership have led to an “agreement in principle” to align with Tinubu’s re-election bid.
Arabambi framed this position within the broader context of Nigeria’s informal zoning arrangement, suggesting that the presidency should remain in the South-West region for a full two-term cycle.
“We have agreed in principle that we will support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said, emphasizing that the current administration should be allowed to complete what he described as the South-West’s eight-year tenure at the presidency.
This position, if reflective of a wider consensus, could signal a notable shift in the Labour Party’s political strategy ahead of the next general election cycle.
Position on Peter Obi’s Return
Arabambi also addressed speculation regarding the potential return of the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi. Reports had suggested that some political actors were exploring the possibility of Obi rejoining or reclaiming a leadership role within the party.
However, Arabambi firmly dismissed such prospects, stating that internal agreements within the party effectively rule out Obi’s return.
He cited ongoing internal challenges and what he described as “intractable crises” within the Labour Party as factors that have influenced the leadership’s current stance. According to him, these developments have contributed to a strategic decision to move in a different direction politically.
Criticism of Nenadi Usman’s Position
In his remarks, Arabambi also criticized Nenadi Usman, who has reportedly been linked to efforts encouraging Obi’s re-engagement with the Labour Party.
Arabambi alleged that Usman’s position is driven by her alignment with Obi’s political interests, arguing that attempts to position him within the party are unlikely to succeed. He further suggested that such moves may be influenced by uncertainties surrounding Obi’s prospects within alternative political platforms, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
While these claims reflect Arabambi’s personal and political stance, they also highlight the ongoing debates and factional positions within the Labour Party as it navigates its future direction.
Implications for Nigeria’s Political Landscape
Arabambi’s comments come at a time when political parties in Nigeria are beginning to reposition ahead of the 2027 general elections. Although his statements suggest a significant alignment shift, it remains unclear whether this view represents the official position of the Labour Party as a whole or a faction within it.
The Labour Party emerged as a major political force during the 2023 elections, largely driven by the candidacy of Peter Obi and a surge of support among younger voters and urban constituencies. Any change in its strategic direction particularly one involving support for an incumbent president from another party would likely have far-reaching implications.
For observers, the situation underscores the fluid nature of party politics in Nigeria, where alliances and loyalties can evolve rapidly in response to internal dynamics and broader national considerations.
