Updated: Labour Party Reserves 2027 Presidential Ticket for Obi as Abure Gets Re-elected

The Labour Party (LP) has announced its decision to reserve its 2027 presidential ticket for the party’s leader, Peter Obi. This pivotal announcement came during the LP’s National Convention held in Nnewi, Anambra State, where Julius Abure was re-elected as the party chairman.

The convention, which saw the re-election of Abure alongside seven other party executives, including National Secretary Umar Faruk Ibrahim, also addressed key state-level candidacies. Notably, Abia State Governor Alex Otti was granted the right of first refusal for the Abia State Governorship ticket, should he choose to seek re-election under the LP banner.

Despite the absence of prominent figures like party leader Peter Obi and Senators Victor Umeh and Tony Nwoye, the convention proceeded with the endorsement of other serving officers. However, it also saw the replacement of the suspended National Treasurer, Ms. Oluchi Opara, with Mrs. Ngozi Doga.

Furthermore, the convention empowered the National Working Committee (NWC) to address existing vacancies within the party’s structure. This decision followed the removal of 14 NWC members due to non-performance or the completion of their allowable terms as per the party’s constitution. Notable among them was Innocent Sunday Okeke (Agumba), the immediate past Assistant National Chairman (South East), who stepped down after serving two terms.

Additionally, the convention witnessed key appointments, with Clement Ojukwu, the former national organizing secretary, assuming the role of Deputy National Chairman.

Preceding the convention, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) had called for Abure’s resignation as party chairman and the establishment of a caretaker transition committee to organize a legitimate and inclusive national convention. However, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) stated it did not monitor the LP’s convention, raising questions about its legality.

While INEC declined further comments, sources within the commission emphasized the importance of monitoring a party’s national convention to validate its legality. Despite attempts to seek clarification from the LP’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, regarding INEC’s position, no response was received.