BREAKING: LP National Vice Chairman Says Governor Otti, Other Key Figures Have Decided to Back Tinubu in 2027

According to report by Vanguard on Thursday, April 16, 2026, Abayomi Arabambi, the South-West National Vice Chairman of the Labour Party, has stated that key figures within the party, including Abia State Governor Alex Otti, have collectively decided to back President Bola Tinubu’s bid for a second term in 2027.

Speaking during an appearance on News Central on Thursday, Arabambi explained that this position was reached after internal consultations among party leaders.

According to him, both the party’s national chairman, Julius Abure, and Governor Otti are aligned on the decision to support Tinubu.

He argued that the presidency should remain in the South-West to complete what he described as an eight-year regional arrangement, rather than shifting to another part of the South.

Addressing speculation about a possible return of the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, Arabambi dismissed the idea outright.

He maintained that Obi’s return is no longer an option, citing ongoing internal disputes within the party. He emphasized that the leadership had already resolved to focus solely on supporting Tinubu’s re-election, making any reconsideration of Obi’s candidacy unlikely.

Arabambi also criticised former Finance Minister Nenadi Usman, accusing her of attempting to push Obi back into the Labour Party for personal or political reasons.

He claimed that her efforts stem from concerns that Obi may not secure the presidential ticket under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which is reportedly being considered by a coalition of political interests.

Describing Usman as closely aligned with Obi, Arabambi argued that her moves were misguided and would not succeed. He firmly rejected the possibility of Obi re-emerging as the party’s presidential candidate and advised Usman to abandon the idea, regardless of any backing she might have.