TD ABUJA, FCT — The Labour Party (LP) has distanced itself from Abayomi Arabambi, the man who reportedly instituted legal proceedings involving the academic records of former Anambra State governor and 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, insisting that he is no longer a member of the party.
The party made the clarification in a statement issued on Monday, September 14, 2026, by its National Publicity Secretary, Ken Eluma Asogwa, following reports describing Arabambi as an LP chieftain.
The Labour Party said it was compelled to respond after reports appeared in mainstream media.
The reports described Arabambi as an LP chieftain in connection with the case involving the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).
LP Rejects Description of Arabambi as Chieftain
The party specifically referenced headlines published by The Punch and Vanguard, which it said described Arabambi as an “LP chieftain” who had sued the institutions over Obi’s credentials.
The Labour Party said such descriptions were inaccurate.
“The Labour Party wishes to notify the general public that Abayomi Arabambi is not a member of the Labour Party,” the statement said.
The party stressed that it was not commenting on the substance or merits of the case before the court.
It noted that Obi himself is not a member of the Labour Party.
Instead, LP said its statement was intended solely to clarify Arabambi’s relationship with the party.
Arabambi Was Among 25 Suspended Members, LP Says
According to the Labour Party, its National Executive Council (NEC) suspended 25 members on March 18, 2026, over various alleged infractions, including anti-party activities.
The party said Arabambi was among those suspended.
LP further stated that the suspension was subsequently ratified by the party’s National Convention on April 28, 2026, which it described as the party’s highest decision-making organ.
Following the ratification, the party said, the affected individuals ceased to be members of the Labour Party.
“Following the said ratification, the affected members ceased to be members of the Party,” LP said.
The party added that none of its organs had subsequently reversed or reviewed the decision concerning the affected members.
LP Accuses Arabambi of Unauthorised Representation
The party warned that Arabambi could not institute the case as a representative or chieftain of the Labour Party because, according to LP, he had already severed ties with the organisation.
It further warned that if Arabambi had presented himself publicly as an LP chieftain or representative, such representation was unauthorised.
The party said such conduct could prima facie amount to impersonation, adding that its lawyers were reviewing the matter.
“The matter is currently being reviewed by the Party’s lawyers for the purpose of determining the appropriate legal and other steps that may be taken, including a possible petition to the relevant law enforcement authorities,” the statement said.
Party Distances Itself From Peter Obi Academic Records Case
LP was careful to distinguish its clarification about Arabambi’s membership status from the legal action involving Obi’s academic records.
The party said its statement should not be interpreted as an endorsement or rejection of the claims contained in Arabambi’s suit.
“This press release is issued solely to clarify the alleged relationship between the litigant and the Labour Party and has no bearing whatsoever on the validity or otherwise of his claims against Mr. Peter Obi before the court,” LP said.
The party therefore maintained that whatever issues Arabambi has raised before the court should be considered independently of the Labour Party.
LP Seeks Correction of Media Reports
The party appealed to members of the public and the media to take note of Arabambi’s current status and avoid identifying him as an LP chieftain or representative.
The clarification comes amid heightened political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Obi’s political future and the positioning of opposition parties are attracting considerable public attention.
The Labour Party said it hoped the statement would “put the matter in its proper perspective” and clarify Arabambi’s status in relation to the organisation.
