The Labour Party (LP) in Nigeria has found itself embroiled in a new internal conflict, fueled by accusations of a coup plot against President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Abayomi Arabambi, recognized by a faction of the party as the National Publicity Secretary, lodged a petition with security agencies, alleging that prominent LP figures, including the 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, the Nigeria Labour Congress President, Joe Ajaero, and Senator Victor Umeh, along with members aligned with the Nenadi Usman faction, are orchestrating a coup under the guise of a “One-Million Man March.” Arabambi further claimed that the planned march is a pretext to forcefully retake the party’s former national secretariat in Abuja, currently occupied by the Julius Abure-led faction. This accusation has further deepened the existing fissures within the already fractured party.
The Usman faction vehemently denied the allegations, labeling them a “malicious and desperate frame-up” designed to destabilize the opposition and blackmail its leaders. Usman, through her spokesperson, categorically refuted any knowledge of the purported protest march and emphasized that the party had not authorized any such action. She clarified that following the Supreme Court’s April 2025 ruling affirming her leadership, the LP 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, the Usman-led faction relocated to a new office. This move, Usman argues, further invalidates the claim that they are planning to forcefully reclaim a building they no longer occupy.
Usman also challenged the link between the alleged protest and a coup plot, dismissing it as illogical and an attempt to frame respected party leaders. She expressed concern over what she perceived as a dangerous resurgence of tactics reminiscent of a “dark era” where government critics were falsely accused of coup plots. The Usman faction warned that this type of accusation poses a significant threat to democracy and urged security agencies to thoroughly investigate the petition and expose those behind the alleged “sinister agenda.”
The LP’s internal struggle reflects a broader political tension in Nigeria, with the opposition struggling to find its footing following the closely contested 2023 presidential election. The allegations of a coup plot, while vehemently denied, raise concerns about the potential misuse of such accusations to silence dissent and suppress political opposition. The situation underscores the fragility of democratic processes in a context where political rivalries can easily escalate into accusations of treason and subversion. The LP’s call for a thorough investigation highlights the need for transparency and due process to prevent the manipulation of security agencies for political gain.
The accusations and counter-accusations within the Labour Party also highlight the deep-seated factionalism that has plagued the party in recent times. The struggle for control of the party machinery, including the national secretariat, and the recognition of legitimate leadership have been recurring themes in the LP’s internal conflicts. The involvement of prominent figures like Peter Obi adds another layer of complexity to the situation, potentially impacting the party’s overall image and its ability to present a united front against the ruling party. The internal wrangling could further weaken the opposition’s ability to effectively challenge the government’s policies and actions.
The ongoing saga within the Labour Party underscores the challenges faced by opposition parties in Nigeria and the need for internal cohesion and strategic focus to effectively play their role in a democratic system. The accusations of a coup plot, regardless of their veracity, risk diverting attention from critical issues facing the country and further polarizing the political landscape. The call for a thorough investigation by the Usman faction and the denial of any involvement in the alleged plot by the accused parties emphasize the need for a transparent and impartial process to determine the truth and uphold the principles of democracy. The outcome of this situation will undoubtedly have significant implications for the future of the Labour Party and the broader political landscape in Nigeria.
