The interim national chairman of the Labour Party, Senator Nenadi Usman, has stated that Peter Obi cannot rejoin the party and contest the 2027 presidential election on its platform. Usman explained that Obi would be legally barred due to strict membership registration deadlines outlined in the Electoral Act.
Electoral Act Deadlines Bar Obi
Usman disclosed that the Labour Party’s register would be closed 21 days before its primaries and submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Speaking during an interview with Arise TV on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, Usman said: “Well, it will be too late actually for him to come back because if you look at the act now, at some point we close the register. Once we close the register 21 days before primaries, submit the register, the e-register to INEC, you can’t come from behind the door for us to register you and for you to contest the elections. That would be impossible, legally impossible anyway.”
Usman Credits Obi for 2023 Surge
Usman acknowledged that Obi had been instrumental in the Labour Party’s success during the 2023 general election. She revealed that Obi convinced her to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Labour Party. “Even me, he convinced me to come with him to the Labour Party. Convinced me and not just me, many people that are in the Labour Party today were convinced by, let’s join Peter, go to the Labour Party because we believed in equity and fair play,” Usman said. She added that she left the PDP because the party failed to zone its presidential ticket to the south.
Labour Party Endorses Tinubu for 2027
Recall that the Labour Party has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in the 2027 election. Abayomi Arabambi, the national vice chairman of the Labour Party for the South-West, announced the development on April 16, 2026. According to Arabambi, the agreement was made with the knowledge of Governor Alex Otti, the party’s only governor.
Obi-Kwankwaso Supporters Dump Atiku
Meanwhile, supporters of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso have unveiled the Obi–Kwankwaso Movement with nationwide structures ahead of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) primaries. The National Publicity Secretary, Justin Ijeh, described the coalition as a reform-driven platform uniting the Obidient Movement, Kwankwasiyya, New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and ADC forces. Former vice president Atiku Abubakar’s refusal to step down has intensified tensions within the ADC as key contenders position for the presidential ticket.
