The Labour Party (LP) in Nigeria has found itself embroiled in a new internal conflict sparked by allegations of a coup plot against President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Abayomi Arabambi, recognized as a factional National Publicity Secretary, filed a petition with security agencies accusing prominent LP figures, including 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, Nigeria Labour Congress President Joe Ajaero, and Senator Victor Umeh, of orchestrating a coup disguised as a “One Million Man March.” Arabambi further claimed this planned demonstration was a pretext to forcibly retake the party’s former national secretariat in Abuja, currently occupied by a rival faction led by Julius Abure. This accusation has ignited a firestorm of controversy and further deepened the existing fissures within the already fragmented party.
The Nenadi Usman-led faction of the LP, which claims legitimate leadership, vehemently denied the coup plot allegations, labeling them a “malicious and desperate frame-up” designed to destabilize the opposition and blackmail its leaders. Usman, through her spokesperson, clarified that the party had no knowledge of any planned protest and had neither authorized nor sanctioned any such activity. She emphasized that since the Supreme Court ruling in April 2025, which affirmed her leadership, the Usman faction had formally requested security agencies to enforce the judgment and evict the “illegal occupants” from the former secretariat. However, due to the alleged inaction of the authorities, they were forced to relocate to a new office, rendering the claim of reclaiming the old secretariat illogical and suspicious.
The Usman faction further underscored the absurdity of linking a protest, even if it existed, to a coup attempt. They questioned how a demonstration to reclaim a party office could possibly be construed as a violent overthrow of the government, dismissing the idea as preposterous and a desperate attempt to tarnish the reputation of respected LP leaders. The faction expressed concern that this type of accusation marked a dangerous regression to a period where government critics were routinely implicated in fabricated coup plots, posing a significant threat to democratic principles and freedom of expression. They warned that these actions were a slippery slope that could endanger the country’s fragile democracy.
The Usman-led faction also raised alarm over reports that operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) had begun harassing some of their officials based on the petition. They called on security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations and expose the individuals behind what they termed a “sinister agenda.” The Usman faction urged Nigerians to recognize the accusations as a “poorly scripted political drama” fueled by cowardice and desperation. They reiterated their commitment to the rule of law and democratic principles, urging the public to discern the truth behind the accusations.
This latest internal strife within the LP highlights the ongoing power struggle between different factions vying for control. The allegations of a coup plot, regardless of their veracity, threaten to further destabilize the party and undermine its credibility as a viable opposition force. The situation also raises concerns about the potential misuse of state security apparatus to intimidate and silence political opponents. The involvement of the DSS, based on a possibly spurious petition, necessitates a transparent and impartial investigation to ensure accountability and prevent the erosion of democratic norms.
The accusations and the subsequent reactions have generated significant public attention and debate. Analysts suggest that the timing of the petition, just as the Tinubu administration is finding its footing, raises suspicions about the motives behind the allegations. Some speculate that internal rivalries within the LP itself might be fueling the conflict, with factions using accusations of coup plotting as a tool to discredit and marginalize their opponents. Regardless of the internal dynamics, the incident underscores the challenges faced by opposition parties in Nigeria and the delicate balance between freedom of expression and national security. The unfolding events will undoubtedly have lasting implications for the LP and the wider political landscape in the country.
