The Labour Party has publicly distanced itself from its 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, criticizing his continued engagement with leaders of a political coalition opposed to President Bola Tinubu.
The Party reaffirmed its decision not to participate in any alliance ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued on Monday by Obiora Ifoh, National Publicity Secretary of the Julius Abure-led faction, the party described Obi’s actions as “distasteful” and “unacceptable,” noting that his association with pro-coalition figures contradicts the party’s stated position.
The statement expressed concern over what it called Obi’s “romance” with the coalition’s leadership, suggesting that the former Anambra State governor has yet to clarify his political intentions for 2027.
“The party is confused by Obi’s ongoing involvement in coalition talks, especially after it has clearly ruled out any such alliance,” the statement read.
It further emphasized that the Labour Party’s 2027 presidential ticket remains open and will be available to any qualified aspirant willing to contest under the party’s platform.
The statement reads: “The attention of the leadership of the Labour Party has been drawn to the news trending in the media that the party is ‘celebrating’ that its candidate in the 2023 presidential election, Peter Obi, has declared his intention to run on the platform of the party in 2027.
“I want to state emphatically that I was quoted out of context and therefore, the impression conveyed by the news was erroneous, inaccurate and does not in any way reflect the position and mood in the party.
“First, while we are not opposed to anybody running under the platform of the Labour Party in the 2027 general election, we need to make it categorically clear that the party has a long-standing rule on how its candidates shall emerge, and an automatic ticket is not one of the routes.
“Recall that at the party’s National Convention in 2024, the party had erroneously granted automatic tickets to our former Presidential candidate and the only governor of the party, however, that decision has since been rescinded and reversed after consulting the statute books.
“Second, His Excellency, Peter Obi, hours after he spoke of his intention to run under the Labour Party, was on Sunday (yesterday) seen in a meeting of a pro-coalition group in Abuja without the permission and consent of the Labour Party leadership.
“This to us is confusing, and we think that Peter Obi has not come to terms with his intentions for the 2027 presidential race.
“We have consistently said that the Labour Party will not go into any coalition or merger of any sort ahead of the 2027 general election, therefore, Obi’s continued association with the coalition is not only distasteful but unacceptable to the party.
“It is also an affront to the party leadership, and we view his position as a total disregard for the party’s right to make decisions governing its affairs.
“We are therefore, by this statement, letting Nigerians know that the presidency for 2027 is open to anyone who wants to run under the platform of the party.”
