Labour Party Declares 2027 Presidential Ticket Open, Rejects Obi’s Coalition Move as Leadership Affront
Byline: Zainab Uzoma | IDNN Political Desk
In a strongly worded statement issued Sunday, the Labour Party (LP) has distanced itself from recent reports suggesting it is backing Peter Obi’s yet-to-be-formalized 2027 presidential ambition. The party also condemned Obi’s participation in a coalition meeting in Abuja, branding it “unacceptable” and “unauthorized.”
The statement, signed by Obiora Ifoh, National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, emphasized that no individual enjoys the privilege of an automatic presidential ticket under the party’s constitution, not even its 2023 standard-bearer.
“While we are not opposed to anyone running on our platform, Labour Party has no provision for automatic tickets. All candidates must emerge through party-sanctioned internal processes,” Ifoh said.
No Endorsement, No Merger — LP Takes a Hard Line
The clarification comes in response to Obi’s appearance at a pro-coalition strategy session held on Sunday, which the party says took place without leadership consent.
“Peter Obi’s continued association with this coalition is distasteful and a direct affront to the party’s authority. We’ve made it clear—we are not merging or aligning with any political formation ahead of 2027,” the statement read.
The Labour Party further described media reports celebrating Obi’s “declaration” as misleading, claiming Ifoh’s earlier comments were taken out of context.
“Let Nigerians be informed: the Labour Party’s presidential ticket for 2027 remains open to all aspirants. Peter Obi must go through the same process as every other contender,” Ifoh clarified.
2024 Convention Decision Reversed
Referencing a 2024 National Convention that had earlier granted Obi an automatic ticket—alongside the party’s only governor—the LP said that decision had already been rescinded after constitutional consultations.
“We’re correcting past mistakes. Automatic tickets go against the grain of internal democracy and violate the Labour Party’s core ideals,” the statement read.
Brewing Tensions Inside the Party
Peter Obi’s visibility and popularity among LP’s grassroots base remain undeniable, but the recent internal rift highlights a widening disconnect between party structures and high-profile figures.
Observers say this development reflects growing tensions over who truly holds moral and political authority within the party—an issue that could shape the path to 2027.
