NLC Unaware of Labour Party Merger Talks Ahead of 2027 Elections — Ajaero

The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, has stated that the congress is not aware of any merger discussions involving the Labour Party (LP) with other political entities in Nigeria. This announcement comes amidst rising speculations about a potential alliance between the LP and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The Labour Party, established by organized labour as a socio-democratic political party, has been at the center of recent merger rumors. These speculations gained traction following a meeting between the 2023 LP presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar. Obi also reportedly held discussions with key PDP figures in Abuja, including former Senate President Bukola Saraki and former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido.

Historically, Atiku and Obi were joint candidates for the PDP in the 2019 elections, but they were defeated by former President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Due to internal conflicts within the PDP, Obi departed the party in 2022 and subsequently ran for president under the LP banner in 2023.

In a statement after his meeting with Obi on May 13, 2024, Atiku hinted at a possible alliance for the 2027 elections. He mentioned that party members would decide their path for the upcoming elections and expressed his willingness to support Obi if the PDP chose him as their presidential candidate, particularly if the party decided it was the turn of the South-East to field a candidate.

Despite these developments, NLC President Ajaero has clarified the congress’s stance, indicating no knowledge of any merger talks that might lead to the dissolution of the Labour Party. “We are not aware of such talks,” Ajaero stated, addressing whether the NLC would support a merger involving the LP.