The National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party (LP), Chief Abayomi Arabambi, has disclosed the rationale behind his recent meeting with the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi.
Arabambi expressed concern that extending the current Tinubu/APC administration beyond May 28, 2027, could lead to a catastrophic economic collapse in Nigeria. He emphasized that the aspiration for a new Nigeria in 2027, coupled with the belief that Peter Obi is the right leader for this vision, prompted them to reconcile their past differences and strategize for success under the Labour Party.
He warned that allowing the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to govern beyond 2027 would be detrimental to Nigeria’s over 200 million citizens. Arabambi cited escalating economic hardships, inconsistent power supply due to frequent national grid failures, soaring inflation, and rising unemployment as indicators of the APC-led administration’s shortcomings since May 2023.
These challenges underscored the necessity of his meeting with Obi to devise solutions for the 2027 elections.
“It has become imperative for us in the Labour Party to initiate a healing process and celebrate one of the best in Nigeria’s political history. The visit aimed to usher in a new era where we overlook divisive elements who exploit our differences. Our party will now actively counter any negative narratives against us or our 2027 presidential candidate,” he stated.
Arabambi criticized the Tinubu administration for its perceived insensitivity and economic mismanagement, noting that many foreign companies have left Nigeria due to unreliable power supply and a depreciating Naira. He described the current governance as institutionalized hardship, adversely affecting citizens’ livelihoods.
Reflecting on their meeting at the Lagos Yacht Club Onikan on Saturday, March 8, 2025, Arabambi noted it provided an opportunity to reassess the Labour Party’s experiences during the 2023 elections and plan for a more impactful role in 2027.
He revealed that Peter Obi has begun reaching out to LP leaders, including Chief Lamidi Apapa, to build a united and formidable party. With Obi at the helm as the presidential candidate, they believe the Labour Party can lead Nigeria to its desired future.
“The visit was crucial because addressing these issues promptly is essential. If we don’t vote out this incompetent administration in 2027 and elect Peter Obi and the Labour Party, the Tinubu-led APC administration could lead us to disaster. The 2027 administration is not something to be taken lightly; otherwise, we are courting trouble. The discussion also touched on the marginalization of the East, as the current administration appears to be transforming the federal government into an ethnic-based entity. Our party believes no region of Nigeria should be subservient to another,” he asserted.
The LP National Publicity Secretary also questioned the legitimacy of the 2023 presidential election results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), arguing that none of the candidates secured over 50% of the total votes cast. He called on the National Assembly to amend the Electoral Act and Constitution to mandate that a presidential candidate must obtain at least 50% of the total votes cast to be declared the winner. He emphasized that this amendment is necessary before the 2027 general elections to ensure the winner truly reflects the people’s choice.
“In the presidential election, APC’s Tinubu received 8,794,726 votes, representing 36.6% of the total votes cast, with 25% performance in 27 states. PDP’s Atiku Abubakar garnered 6,984,520 votes, accounting for 29.1% of the total votes cast, securing 25% in 20 states. LP’s Peter Obi obtained 6,101,533 votes, representing 25.4% of the total votes cast, with 25% in 16 states, and NNPP’s Rabiu Kwankwaso received 1,496,687 votes, accounting for 6.2% of the total votes cast, securing 25% in just one state.
“This result indicates that it’s only in Nigeria that someone can be declared president without securing 50% of the votes. The visit, therefore, focused on advocating for amendments to our electoral laws and constitution, in collaboration with other stakeholders, before the 2027 general elections to ensure true representation of the electorate’s will,” Arabambi concluded.
