“We Can Win 2027 Election Without Merger,” Labour Party Declares

The Labour Party (LP) has expressed confidence in its ability to win the 2027 presidential election without forming a coalition, citing its strong grassroots support and the growing appeal of its vision among Nigerians. The party emphasised that its performance in the 2023 elections demonstrated its capacity to independently challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking to The Punch on Sunday, LP National Publicity Secretary Obiora Ifoh dismissed rumours of a coalition with Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). “Labour Party has not been approached or invited to any meeting to discuss a coalition,” Ifoh stated. “What we see is that people are exploring alternatives to secure a landslide victory against the ruling APC.”

Ifoh highlighted the party’s significant achievements in 2023, noting that LP amassed millions of votes without external alliances. “We didn’t need a coalition in 2023 to prove that Labour Party had the support of Nigerians. We demonstrated that we have what it takes to win elections at the highest level. If elections were held today, we would perform even better because the current government has failed the people,” he said.

Despite this confidence, Ifoh acknowledged that the party remains open to discussions on mergers if approached, stating, “The idea of a coalition is not bad. If Labour Party is invited, we will consider the merits and demerits carefully.” However, he pointed out that there have been no formal discussions among opposition parties thus far.

The remarks come amid speculation about a potential coalition involving the LP, PDP, and NNPP ahead of the 2027 elections. Both Kwankwaso and LP’s presidential candidate in 2023, Peter Obi, have denied any involvement in such discussions. Last week, Kwankwaso told BBC Hausa that he had not communicated with Atiku or Obi, maintaining a neutral stance on the matter. Similarly, Obi distanced himself from the rumours during a press conference, stating, “I am not a party to any arrangement of this nature.”

Meanwhile, PDP’s acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, argued that defeating President Bola Tinubu and the APC in 2027 would require a merger that includes the PDP. “The PDP is the only party that has consistently won elections without being in power. For over two decades, it has remained steadfast, producing governors and lawmakers across the country. Any merger that excludes the PDP cannot succeed,” Damagum stated.