The Julius Abure’led Labour Party (LP) has refuted reports suggesting it is celebrating the declaration of Peter Obi, its 2023 presidential candidate, to contest in the 2027 elections under its platform.
LP insisted that the party has not endorsed any aspirant.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, on Sunday, the party clarified that the media misquoted earlier remarks, which led to the “erroneous and inaccurate” impression that the party had endorsed Obi’s ambition.
“While we are not opposed to anybody running under the platform of the Labour Party in the 2027 general election, we need to make it categorically clear that the party has a longstanding rule on how its candidates shall emerge — and automatic ticket is not one of the routes,” Ifoh stated.
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He recalled that during the party’s 2024 National Convention, an earlier decision to grant automatic tickets to Obi and the party’s only governor was later reversed after consultations with the party’s constitution.
The LP also took issue with Obi’s presence at a meeting of a pro-coalition group in Abuja on Sunday, which it said occurred without the leadership’s permission.
The party described his actions as “confusing,” suggesting that Obi may not have fully clarified his intentions for the 2027 race.
“We have consistently said that the Labour Party will not go into any coalition or merger ahead of the 2027 general election. Therefore, Obi’s continued association with the coalition is not only distasteful but unacceptable to the party,” the statement continued.
“It is also an affront to the party leadership and a total disregard for the party’s right to make decisions concerning its affairs.”
The party reaffirmed that its 2027 presidential ticket remains open to all aspirants willing to contest under its platform.
