Supporters of Peter Obi within the Labour Party (LP), popularly known as the Obidients, are reassessing their political future amid growing speculation that the former Anambra State governor may be preparing to leave the party.
Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, had earlier indicated his intention to contest the 2027 presidency on the LP platform. However, sources in Abuja suggest that plans are now at an advanced stage for him to explore another political vehicle, largely due to the party’s unresolved leadership crisis.
A senior figure within the Senator Nenadi Usman–led faction of the party, which is backed by both Obi and Abia State Governor Alex Otti, disclosed—on condition of anonymity—that Obi appears to be under intense pressure from close allies and advisers to move on.
According to the source, many loyalists who stayed back in the Labour Party had hoped the internal disputes would be resolved, but the situation has continued to worsen.
The source explained that Obi’s popularity transcends party boundaries and that his supporters are prepared to work with him regardless of the platform he eventually chooses. However, there are concerns about the fate of party members who invested heavily in building the Labour Party into a credible third force during the 2023 elections.
“There was an expectation that the momentum we built in 2023 would translate into opportunities in 2027 for those of us seeking elective offices on this platform,” the source said, adding that Obi’s presence was a major factor in the party’s success and could still be decisive if he remained.
The insider also acknowledged that uncertainty surrounding whether to fully align with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as part of an opposition coalition has compounded the party’s current predicament.
He noted that the LP’s candidate for the Federal Capital Territory local council election scheduled for February 2026 is contesting on the ADC platform, with Obi actively campaigning alongside him. Despite this, the source claimed that the ADC does not appear to be positioning Obi as its presidential flagbearer.
Talks with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the source added, have also stalled, leaving Obi with limited options if he intends to remain politically viable ahead of 2027.
Still, the source maintained that Obi has not formally withdrawn his backing from the Usman-led Labour Party, as he remains hopeful that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) could yet take steps that might stabilise the party’s leadership situation.
Reacting to the reports, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, dismissed claims that Obi is set to abandon the Labour Party as baseless speculation.
Tanko argued that the opposition is currently under pressure from the ruling party but insisted that efforts are ongoing to strengthen unity among opposition forces. He said collaboration remains the only viable path to challenging the government effectively.
He also referenced a recent joint public statement by Peter Obi, PDP chieftain Chief Bode George, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as evidence that opposition leaders are working together toward a common goal.
According to Tanko, the regrouping of opposition forces will ultimately succeed.
