The Labour Party, LP, was, is divided over Peter Obi’s participation in the coalition.The factional National Chairman of the party, Mr. Julius Abure, said Obi lacks the authority to negotiate any sort of coalition with any group on behalf of the party.

The National Publicity Secretary of the LP faction, Obiora Ifoh, in a statement, said: “We have consistently said that the Labour Party will not go into any coalition or merger of any sort ahead of the 2027 general election.

“Therefore, Obi’s continued association with the coalition is not only distasteful but unacceptable to the party. It is also an affront to the party leadership, and we view his position as a total disregard for the party’s right to make decisions regarding its affairs.

LP backs Obi’s participation

However, the National Caretaker Committee of the LP, led by Senator Nenadi Usman, said Obi’s participation in the coalition has the backing of the party.

Mr. Ken Eluma Asogwa, Senior Special Adviser on Media to Senator Usman, said: “The attention of the leadership of the Labour Party has been drawn to reports circulating in some sections of the media suggesting that certain former members of our party, led by the suspended chairman, Mr. Julius Abure, have voiced disapproval over the participation of our 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in the ongoing coalition movement aimed at rescuing Nigeria from the failed APC administration in 2027.