The Labour Party has distanced itself from claims that it is celebrating Peter Obi’s declaration to run for president in 2027 under its platform, describing the former presidential candidate as “confused” about his political intentions.
In a statement issued on Monday, May 26, by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Obiorah Ifoh, on behalf of National Chairman Julius Abure, the party said recent reports suggesting it was enthusiastic about Obi’s renewed ambition were inaccurate and do not reflect the current stance of its leadership.
“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 long-standing rule on how its candidates shall emerge and automatic ticket is not one of the routes,” the statement read.
Obi, who was the Labour Party’s presidential flagbearer in the 2023 general elections, told a group of young supporters in a video shared on the party’s WhatsApp platform over the weekend that he remains a member of the party and would contest in 2027 under its banner. “I will still continue to run in the Labour Party. I’m a member of the Labour Party,” Obi said when asked about his future plans.
However, the party noted a contradiction in Obi’s actions, pointing out that shortly after his declaration, he was spotted attending a meeting of a pro-coalition group in Abuja on Sunday, allegedly without the consent of the party leadership.
“This to us is really confusing and we think that Peter Obi has not come to terms with his intentions for the 2027 presidential race,” Ifoh said.
The statement also recalled the Labour Party’s reversal of an earlier decision during its 2024 National Convention, where automatic tickets were granted to Obi and the party’s only governor. “That decision has since been rescinded and reversed after consulting the statute books,” Ifoh added.
Reiterating its position against any form of coalition or merger ahead of the next general elections, the party warned that Obi’s continued association with such alliances was “distasteful, unacceptable, and an affront to the party leadership.”
“We view his position as a total disregard to the party’s right to make decisions guiding its affairs,” the statement concluded, adding that the party’s 2027 presidential ticket remains open to all aspirants willing to follow due process.