In a bid to quell mounting speculation and growing political whispers, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, has reaffirmed that the former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, remains a steadfast member of the Labour Party. Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Monday, Tanko described all reports linking Obi to a defection as entirely baseless and urged the public to disregard them.

Over the past few weeks, Nigeria's political space has been awash with reports suggesting that Obi might be on the verge of exiting the Labour Party to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP), amid leadership tussles within the LP. These rumours intensified following a recent Supreme Court ruling which nullified the leadership of Julius Abure as the national chairman of the Labour Party, plunging the party into a fresh round of internal crisis.

But Tanko, speaking with unmistakable clarity, moved to silence these reports, stating, “As far as I am concerned, His Excellency Peter Obi is a member of the Labour Party. It remains so until when there is any other thing that may come up.” He explained that the leadership of the Labour Party will soon hold a high-level meeting, likely within the week, to properly respond to the developments surrounding the Supreme Court ruling and to present a united front.

“There is going to be a meeting possibly within the week by the leaders of the party to make fundamental positions clear to everyone, and in line with the position of the Supreme Court ruling,” Tanko said. “That, of course, will put the whole matter to rest.”

This assurance comes on the heels of a statement made by former SDP presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, who stirred the pot last week by claiming that both Peter Obi and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party were in advanced talks to join the SDP ahead of what could be a seismic political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The statement by Adebayo was met with skepticism by many political observers, but it gained traction on social media where political speculation thrives. However, Tanko categorically dismissed Adebayo’s claims as unfounded and lacking any credible basis. He stated that while political consultations and alliances are not uncommon in Nigeria’s dynamic political landscape, there has been no formal or informal declaration or move by Obi to dump the Labour Party.

The Labour Party, which surged to national prominence during the 2023 presidential elections largely on the back of Obi’s popularity and the passionate support of his “Obidient” followers, has in recent months been marred by internal disputes and leadership crises. Many analysts believe that resolving these internal frictions is crucial if the party is to remain a formidable force in the coming years.

Meanwhile, reactions from party supporters have been swift. Many took to various social media platforms to express relief at Tanko’s statement. “Peter Obi is Labour Party. Any other suggestion is just propaganda,” one user tweeted, echoing the sentiment of many loyalists who see Obi as the face and future of the party.

Others, however, have urged the party to quickly address the leadership issues and engage in transparent dialogue to ensure the unity of the movement. “The Labour Party cannot afford a divided house. We supported Obi because we believed in a new Nigeria, and that dream must not be derailed,” said a prominent youth leader in Abuja who asked not to be named.

Despite the reassurance, some political watchers remain cautious. The Nigerian political environment is known for its unpredictability, and with 2027 looming on the horizon, speculations are bound to continue. Yet, for now, Peter Obi remains in the Labour Party, and according to Yunusa Tanko, there is no indication that this will change in the immediate future.

The significance of Obi’s continued presence in the Labour Party cannot be overstated. Having garnered over six million votes in the 2023 general elections and winning 12 states including Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory, Obi’s influence within the party and across Nigeria’s political landscape is undeniable. His campaign, largely youth-driven and issue-focused, redefined political engagement in Nigeria and introduced a third force into what was traditionally a two-party contest.

For many Nigerians, particularly young people and first-time voters, Obi represents hope, accountability, and a break from the political status quo. His departure from the Labour Party, if it ever happens, would carry deep implications for the party and for national politics.

As the dust settles around the latest round of rumours, the Labour Party appears poised to consolidate its base and refocus its energies. The coming days and weeks will be crucial in determining not just the party's leadership structure but also its direction as it seeks to retain the momentum it built during the last election cycle.

Meanwhile, all eyes remain on Peter Obi. Whether he decides to stay the course with the Labour Party or chart a new path, one thing is certain—his next political move will be closely watched by allies, opponents, and citizens alike. For now, though, according to the Obidient Movement, the message is clear: Peter Obi is still very much Labour.