Labour Party Declares Support for Tinubu's Re-election Bid in 2027
In a significant political development, Abayomi Arabambi, the national vice chairman of the Labour Party for the South-West, has revealed that the party leadership, including Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, has agreed to endorse President Bola Tinubu for the 2027 presidential elections. This announcement was made during an interview on Thursday, April 16, 2026, and has since ignited a wave of reactions across Nigeria.
Endorsement Details and Party Dynamics
Arabambi stated that the decision was reached in principle, emphasizing that the presidency should remain in the South-West region. He quoted, "Abure and Governor Alex Otti have all agreed in principle that we will support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu because this presidency belongs to the South-West, not to the South." This move comes at a time when the Labour Party is navigating internal crises, notably with the departure of Peter Obi, its former presidential candidate for the 2027 elections.
Peter Obi recently left the Labour Party amid ongoing disputes and joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a coalition movement adopted party. His exit has raised questions about the party's unity and future direction, making Arabambi's endorsement of Tinubu a contentious issue.
Public Reactions and Criticisms
The announcement has prompted diverse responses from Nigerians, highlighting divisions within the political landscape. Below are some key comments from social media and public forums:
- Tayo Osibel criticized the Labour Party, saying, "Shame on the Labour Party for making this insensitive statement. You've been bought by APC, and you have lost your relevance to Nigerians as an opposition party. APC is a cankerworm to Nigeria's progress. The most useless political party in Nigerian history."
- Omochukwu expressed concerns about the optics, noting, "The posturing of this picture isn't looking good. The president is the one reaching out to Alex Otti instead of it being the other way around. Observation: Presidential and gubernatorial elections are 2 Saturdays apart, so the governor can choose to sit out the other election."
- Tochukwu Osuagwu questioned Arabambi's authority, stating, "It is not your place to make this declaration. Protocol dictates that such a statement should come from Alex Otti or the Acting Chairman, who is perfectly capable of representing the party. By speaking out of turn, your comments are procedurally out of order."
- Chuck disputed Arabambi's party membership, claiming, "I believe LP should sue Vanguard for addressing someone who's not a member of their party as National vice chairman, because if political parties don't make a scapegoat with one of these media houses, they will continue to sow discord in parties with their poor reporting."
- Built Scope attributed the party's issues to Peter Obi, saying, "We know all along that Peter Obi was the headache, Alex Otti was never a problem, it's the case of 'your enemy's friend is your enemy.'"
Background and Implications
This endorsement reflects broader political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections, with the Labour Party positioning itself in support of the incumbent president. The move is seen as a strategic shift that could impact opposition dynamics and voter sentiments. As the party grapples with internal challenges, including the loss of key figures like Peter Obi, its future role in Nigerian politics remains uncertain.
The reactions underscore the polarized nature of Nigerian politics, where endorsements and party loyalties are closely scrutinized. With the 2027 elections approaching, such developments are likely to shape campaign strategies and public discourse in the coming months.
