Fresh uncertainty has emerged over Peter Obi’s political future after the Labour Party leadership declared it would be legally impossible for him to secure the party’s 2027 presidential ticket.
Speaking during a television interview, Nenadi Usman said party rules and electoral timelines effectively shut the door on any late return bid once internal processes have been completed.
Her remarks come amid speculation that Obi could consider rejoining the Labour Party Nigeria following ongoing instability within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), where he moved after leaving the LP in December 2025.
Usman explained that the party’s register of eligible participants is closed weeks before primaries and submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), making any last-minute entry legally invalid.
“It would be too late for him to come back,” she said, insisting that the process does not allow for exceptions once deadlines have passed.
Despite the firm stance, Usman acknowledged Obi’s impact on the party’s rise during the 2023 general election, where he emerged as a major political force and attracted widespread grassroots support.
She noted that many members, including herself, joined the party because of his candidacy and message, particularly amid dissatisfaction with decisions within the Peoples Democratic Party at the time.
The comments also come against the backdrop of an ongoing leadership tussle within the Labour Party, which has triggered multiple court battles and internal divisions.
In a recent ruling, the Court of Appeal in Abuja dismissed a challenge by Julius Abure, affirming earlier decisions that recognised Usman’s leadership of the party.
Usman accused rival factions of attempting to destabilise the party through repeated legal actions, describing the situation as an abuse of court processes.
She revealed that INEC has already conducted a verification exercise at the party’s secretariat, describing it as successful and inclusive of various stakeholders.
Looking ahead, the party plans to begin congresses nationwide, culminating in a national convention scheduled for Umuahia, Abia State, in what leaders describe as a critical step toward unity.
Usman said all factions have been invited to participate, emphasising that the party’s future must be built on collective strength rather than individual influence.
She also warned against attempts to personalise leadership, insisting that no single figure defines the party’s identity as it prepares for the next electoral cycle.
