2027: Peter Obi Politically Confused, Labour Party Presidential Ticket Open to All – Party Leadership

The Labour Party (LP) has said that its 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, is politically confused about his intentions for the 2027 general elections. The party also clarified that its presidential ticket remains open to all interested aspirants, with no automatic ticket guaranteed for anyone.

In a statement released on Monday by the National Publicity Secretary, Obiorah Ifoh, on behalf of the National Chairman, Julius Abure, the party described reports of it celebrating Obi’s declaration to contest in 2027 on the LP platform as false and misleading.

Obi, while speaking to a group of young supporters in a video that circulated on the party’s WhatsApp platform over the weekend, stated: “I will still continue to run in the Labour Party. I’m a member of the Labour Party.” His statement was interpreted by some media outlets as a formal declaration, prompting speculation that the party had endorsed him.

The LP leadership, however, strongly refuted that interpretation, noting that such reports do not reflect the position or mood of the party.

“First, while we are not opposed to anybody running under the platform of the Labour Party in the 2027 general elections, 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,” the statement said.

The party recalled that at its 2024 National Convention, it had mistakenly granted automatic tickets to Peter Obi and the LP’s only serving governor. That decision, it stated, was later reversed after a review of the party’s constitutional processes.

The party also raised concerns over Obi’s participation in a pro-coalition meeting held in Abuja on Sunday, which reportedly occurred without consultation or approval from LP leadership.

“Peter Obi has not come to terms with his intentions for the 2027 presidential race,” Ifoh said, describing the former candidate’s actions as inconsistent and confusing.

He further stressed that the Labour Party has consistently maintained it will not join any coalition or merger ahead of the 2027 elections. Obi’s continued engagement with coalition movements was described as “distasteful,” “unacceptable,” and a “total disregard” for the authority of the party.

The statement concluded by reaffirming that the party’s presidential ticket is open to all interested candidates and will be contested through transparent and democratic processes in line with the Labour Party’s rules and constitution.