Fresh internal tensions have resurfaced in the Labour Party (LP) following a petition alleging that key party figures, including its 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, are plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The petition, submitted to security agencies on Tuesday by factional National Publicity Secretary Abayomi Arabambi, accused Obi, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Joe Ajaero, Senator Victor Umeh, and other senior members of the Nenadi Usman faction of conspiring to stage a “coup” through a planned nationwide “One-Million Man March.”
Arabambi further claimed that the protest was a cover to forcibly retake the party’s former national secretariat in Utako, Abuja, which is currently under the control of the Julius Abure-led faction.
In response, LP interim national chairman Nenadi Usman strongly denied the allegations, describing them as “malicious and desperate,” intended to destabilise the opposition and tarnish the reputation of party leaders.
In a statement issued through her Senior Special Adviser on Media, Ken Asogwa, Usman said the party was unaware of any planned protest and had not sanctioned any demonstration under its name.
“Let it be stated unequivocally that the leadership of LP is not aware of any planned protest anywhere in Nigeria under the auspices of the party,” the statement read. “We have neither authorised nor sanctioned any individual or group to march on the streets in the name of reclaiming a property the party has long abandoned.”
Usman also referenced the Supreme Court ruling of April 4, 2025, which affirmed her as the legitimate party leader. Following the judgment, she said the party officially notified security agencies and requested enforcement to vacate “illegal occupants” from the Utako secretariat.
Due to a lack of response, she added, the party decided to relocate to a new and more secure office.
“It is, therefore, laughable and deeply suspicious for anyone to insinuate that the Labour Party intends to forcibly reclaim a building it no longer uses,” the statement concluded.
