The Labour Party’s National Caretaker Committee (LP-NCC), led by Senator Nenadi Usman, has affirmed its full support for Peter Obi’s participation in coalition talks aimed at uniting opposition forces ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued by Ken Asogwa, Special Adviser (Media) to Senator Usman, the committee debunked claims suggesting that the party’s 2023 presidential candidate was engaging in the coalition discussions independently.

“The attention of the Labour Party leadership has been drawn to media reports alleging that some former party members, led by the suspended chairman, Barr. Julius Abure, have criticised the participation of our 2023 presidential candidate, His Excellency Peter Obi, in the ongoing coalition initiative to rescue Nigeria from the failed APC-led government,” the statement read.

“To be clear, the National Caretaker Committee, under the capable leadership of Distinguished Senator Nenadi Usman, expressly approved and endorsed Mr. Obi’s participation in this patriotic movement involving well-meaning Nigerians committed to addressing the current leadership vacuum.”

The statement reiterated Obi’s long-standing commitment to a coalition that prioritizes solutions to hunger, insecurity, and poor governance — values that align with the foundational principles of the Labour Party.

“It is puzzling that individuals expelled for anti-party activities are now questioning a move that is clearly in the national interest,” it continued. “One must ask: Whose interests are Julius Abure and his associates truly serving?”

Reaffirming Obi’s central place within the party, the LP-NCC stated:

“Peter Obi retains the unambiguous right to contest the 2027 presidential elections on the Labour Party platform, should the coalition initiative not materialize.”

The statement also dismissed references to a “2024 national convention” convened by the Abure-led faction, describing it as unlawful and explicitly rejected by the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

“The continued reference to this so-called convention is misleading and a direct affront to the Supreme Court’s ruling. Such actions should be treated as contempt by the appropriate legal authorities.”

In conclusion, the LP-NCC urged the public to disregard statements from what it described as “impostors masquerading as party leaders” and to rely solely on official communications from the National Caretaker Committee.

“For credible and authoritative information on the Labour Party, the public is advised to consult only the office of the National Caretaker Committee, led by Distinguished Senator Nenadi Usman,” the statement added.