Tensions have escalated within the Labour Party as a faction led by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Abayomi Arabambi, has openly criticized former presidential candidate Peter Obi over alleged misinformation regarding Nigeria’s debt profile and perceived alignment with rival political groups. According to PUNCH on Saturday, July 12, 2025, Arabambi made these accusations during a press conference in Abeokuta.
Arabambi accused Obi of presenting misleading economic data during a recent television interview, where the former Anambra governor claimed that Nigeria’s external debt had worsened under the administration of President Bola Tinubu. Arabambi countered this by stating that the country’s debt had actually reduced from $108.2 billion to $94.2 billion—a figure he claimed Obi “conveniently ignored.”
He also accused Obi of engaging in anti-party activities by allegedly associating with the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Arabambi referenced a recent event where Obi was introduced as a leader within the ADC coalition, which he claimed violated the Labour Party’s internal code of loyalty. He further announced that preparations were underway to formally expel Obi and other members allegedly involved in similar activities.
Reflecting on the 2023 presidential election, Arabambi criticized the party’s choice to back Obi instead of Faduri Joseph, calling the decision a strategic error. He argued that Faduri was a more inclusive and principled candidate, while Obi’s campaign was divisive and regionally focused.
Arabambi also condemned Obi’s use of exchange rates in converting Nigeria’s foreign debt from dollars to naira, calling it a deliberate attempt to distort the economic realities and mislead the public.
The faction maintains that Obi’s continued influence is damaging the party’s image and credibility. A National Executive Council meeting is reportedly in the works, during which a formal vote may be taken to finalize Obi’s expulsion from the Labour Party.
These developments underscore deepening fractures within the party and signal a potentially significant realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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