Abayomi Arabambi, the National Vice Chairman (South-West) of the Labour Party (LP), has ruled out any possibility of the party’s former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, returning to its platform.
Speaking during an interview on News Central on Thursday, Arabambi dismissed ongoing speculations that some party stakeholders were working to bring Obi back into the fold, stating firmly that such efforts would not succeed.
Party leadership takes clear position
Arabambi revealed that the party’s leadership had already reached a consensus on its political direction following prolonged internal challenges.
According to him, consultations involving key figures, including the faction led by Julius Abure and Alex Otti, influenced the decision.
He stressed that the party’s ongoing internal crisis played a major role in shaping its current stance, adding that leaders had resolved to move forward without revisiting past alliances.
Rejection of Obi’s possible return
Reacting to reported moves by Nenadi Usman to facilitate Obi’s return, Arabambi dismissed the idea outright.
He maintained that any attempt to reintegrate Obi into the party would fail, alleging that such moves were driven by political loyalties rather than the party’s collective interest.
Criticism over 2023 election outcome
Arabambi also took aim at Obi and his supporters over the Labour Party’s performance in the 2023 general election. He accused them of contributing to internal setbacks that affected the party’s electoral outcome.
According to him, logistical failures, particularly at polling units, weakened the party’s chances, rejecting suggestions that external forces were solely responsible for the loss.
Labour Party backs Tinubu’s second term
In a significant shift, Arabambi disclosed that the party leadership had agreed to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office.
He emphasised that the party would not repeat past mistakes, noting that its current focus is on aligning with what it considers a more strategic political direction.
Arabambi concluded by reaffirming that members of the party are committed to working towards Tinubu’s re-election, signalling a decisive break from previous positions and alliances.
Watch the video here…
“Obi can never come back to Labour Party.”
Labour Party member @Arabambifemi says Peter Obi will not be readmitted to the party, describing his return as impossible. pic.twitter.com/WgKqzrOYVe
— News Central TV (@NewsCentralTV) April 16, 2026
