A chieftain of the Labour Party, Abayomi Arabambi, has ruled out any possibility of Peter Obi returning to the party, amid growing speculation of a potential political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Arabambi, who serves as the party’s National Vice Chairman (South-West), made the declaration during a recent media appearance, stating emphatically that Obi’s return to the Labour Party is no longer an option.

Obi can never come back to the Labour Party,” Arabambi said, dismissing reports that the former presidential candidate is considering a comeback to his former political platform.

The statement comes against the backdrop of ongoing internal tensions within the Labour Party following Obi’s earlier exit from the party. His departure had triggered divisions among party stakeholders, with factions emerging over leadership control and future direction.

Arabambi also alleged that certain individuals within the party are pushing for Obi’s return for personal political reasons, insisting that such efforts would not succeed.

He maintained that the party has moved on and is focused on its current political strategy. The Labour Party chieftain further linked the decision to broader political calculations ahead of 2027, noting that alliances and alignments are already taking shape across party lines.

He suggested that the party’s leadership is committed to a different path and would not revisit past arrangements. Obi, who was the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, remains a prominent figure in Nigeria’s opposition politics.

However, the latest remarks by Arabambi signal deepening cracks within the party and highlight the uncertainty surrounding opposition unity as the next election cycle approaches.

Political observers say the development reflects the ongoing reshaping of Nigeria’s political landscape, with parties and key actors repositioning themselves in preparation for 2027.