The Labour Party (LP) has moved to formally distance itself from its former National Publicity Secretary, Abayomi Arabambi, warning that he no longer has the authority to act or speak on behalf of the party.
The development follows legal actions instituted by Arabambi seeking access to academic and service records linked to Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
In a statement issued on Monday, LP National Publicity Secretary Ken Asogwa said Arabambi ceased to be a member of the party after being among 25 members suspended by the National Executive Council in March 2026 over alleged anti-party activities.
According to Asogwa, the suspension was subsequently ratified at the party’s National Convention on April 28, 2026, and no organ of the party has reversed the decision.
The clarification appears aimed at preventing Arabambi’s court actions from being interpreted as part of an official Labour Party campaign against Obi or his credentials.
Arabambi has filed separate suits at the Federal High Court in Abuja against the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), seeking access to records relating to Obi’s academic and service history under the Freedom of Information Act.
However, the Labour Party said it would not comment on the substance of the cases, stressing that Obi is no longer a member of the party.
Asogwa warned that any attempt by Arabambi to present himself as an LP representative was unauthorised and could amount to impersonation.
The party also disclosed that its lawyers were reviewing the matter and could pursue legal action, including petitions to law enforcement authorities.
The controversy adds another dimension to the political and legal disputes surrounding Obi’s credentials ahead of the 2027 presidential election, while the Labour Party seeks to make clear that Arabambi’s court actions are being undertaken in a personal capacity and do not represent the position of the party.
