Labour Party Abure Rump Insists It Can Win 2027 Presidential Election Despite Minority Status

Faction Confident Despite Internal Divisions and Defections to APC

Labour Party 2027 Election

The Labour Party (LP) has expressed confidence in its ability to secure victory in Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election without forming coalitions with other political entities. This assertion follows recent speculations about potential alliances involving the LP, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).

Obiora Ifoh, the National Publicity Secretary of the LP, emphasized the party’s grassroots support and its performance in the 2023 elections as indicators of its electoral strength. He stated, “Labour Party didn’t need any coalition in 2023 when it gathered millions of votes from Nigerians who wanted Labour Party to take over the leadership of the nation.”

Obiora Ifoh, who serves as the National Publicity Secretary of the LP, belongs to the faction led by Julius Abure,

Ifoh also noted that while the idea of a coalition isn’t dismissed outright, the LP has not been approached for any such discussions. He remarked, “As it stands, Labour Party has not been approached or invited to any meeting whatsoever to discuss a coalition.”

This stance comes amid denials from key political figures about ongoing merger talks. Both Rabiu Kwankwaso of the NNPP and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the PDP have refuted claims of discussions with the LP. Kwankwaso stated, “I have not communicated with either Atiku or Obi,” while Peter Obi of the LP similarly distanced himself from such rumors, saying, “I am not a party to any arrangement of this nature.”

What Labour Party Will Contest the 2027 Elections? 

The Labour Party is correctly viewed as a tiny, insignificant political party tied to Peter Obi, and his mass following amongst Nigerian youths.  Akin Osuntokun, the Director-General of the Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign Council, criticized the party’s leadership during the 2023 elections, describing them as liabilities to Peter Obi’s campaign. He suggested that Obi might have fared better running as an independent candidate.
The Labour Party (LP) in Nigeria has been embroiled in a leadership dispute between the Julius Abure faction and the Peter Obi faction, primarily concerning the legitimacy of Abure’s position as National Chairman. Tensions escalated following the March 2024 national convention in Nnewi, where Abure was re-elected as chairman, a move challenged by Peter Obi and Abia State Governor Alex Otti, who argued the process was neither inclusive nor representative. This led to the formation of a 29-member caretaker committee led by Senator Nenadi Usman to manage party affairs and organize fresh elections.
Julius Abure, the embattled national chairman of the LP, announced in September 2024 that the party’s presidential ticket for 2027 is open to all members, indicating potential internal contests for candidacy. He stated, “All party tickets from the Presidency to the House of Assemblies are open to all qualified Nigerians.”
On October 8, 2024, the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite, upheld the Nnewi convention and affirmed Abure as the legitimate chairman, directing INEC to recognize his leadership. Following the verdict, Peter Obi and the caretaker committee announced their intention to appeal, reflecting ongoing internal conflicts within the party that could affect its political prospects in the 2027 elections.

Compounding these internal challenges is a recent wave of defections from the Labour Party to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Several LP politicians, including key figures who supported Peter Obi in 2023, have switched allegiances, citing dissatisfaction with the party’s leadership and internal conflicts. This exodus raises further concerns about the LP’s ability to retain its support base and effectively compete in the next presidential election.

A Wasted Opportunity?

Peter Obi has faced mounting criticism over his leadership effectiveness. Key figures, including Kenneth Okonkwo, former spokesperson for the party’s presidential campaign, have accused Obi of indecisiveness in managing internal party crises and failing to strengthen the party’s structure post-election. Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka also questioned Obi’s leadership capacity, highlighting his inability to restrain supporters from attacking critics online, a behaviour Soyinka argues, perhaps unfairly, reflects weak leadership unfit for a diverse nation like Nigeria. Additionally, Doyin Okupe, former Director-General of Obi’s campaign, criticized the party’s structural weaknesses and predicted further defections, attributing the exodus to Obi’s failure to build a sustainable political framework. These critiques underscore concerns about Obi’s approach to party management, structural consolidation, and effective control over party supporters. Peter Obi has been unable to build on his widespread support to offer a viable opposition to the government or propose alternative views on important economic policies and national issues.

 

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