The Labour Party (LP) has publicly distanced itself from its 2023 presidential flagbearer, Mr. Peter Obi, following his recent participation in a coalition meeting ahead of the 2027 general elections. In a strongly worded statement issued on Monday, the party declared that it has not endorsed any presidential aspirant and will not offer an automatic ticket to anyone, including Obi.
The clarification came through the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, who refuted media reports suggesting the LP was “celebrating” Obi’s alleged declaration to contest the 2027 presidential election under the party’s banner.
“The attention of the leadership of the Labour Party has been drawn to the news trending in the media that the party is ‘celebrating’ that its candidate in the 2023 presidential election, Peter Obi has declared his intention to run on the platform of the party in 2027,” Ifoh stated. “I was quoted out of context, and the impression conveyed by the news was erroneous, inaccurate, and does not in any way reflect the position and mood in the party.”
While affirming that Obi—or any other interested candidate—is welcome to contest under the Labour Party, Ifoh stressed that the party’s internal processes must be followed. “The Labour Party has a longstanding rule on how its candidates shall emerge, and automatic ticket is not one of the routes,” he said.
The party also referenced its 2024 National Convention, where automatic tickets were initially and controversially granted to Peter Obi and Abia State Governor, Alex Otti. That decision, the statement revealed, has since been rescinded after a review of the party’s constitutional guidelines.
Of particular concern to the LP was Peter Obi’s participation in a coalition meeting held in Abuja on Sunday—an event the party claims it was neither informed of nor invited to.
“This to us is really confusing and we think that Peter Obi has not come to terms with his intentions for the 2027 presidential race,” the party said, describing Obi’s actions as “distasteful” and “unacceptable.”
The statement has further widened the gap between the party leadership and its most prominent political figure, who remains popular among a large section of Nigerian youth and civil society groups.
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