The Labour Party has publicly denied claims that it is backing Peter Obi’s reported decision to run for president in 2027 under its platform. In a statement issued on Monday, May 26, the party described Obi’s recent remarks as confusing and said he appears unsure about his political plans.
Speaking on behalf of the National Chairman, Julius Abure, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiorah Ifoh, stated that media reports suggesting excitement within the party over Obi’s 2027 ambitions are false and do not reflect its official position.
While the party made it clear that anyone can contest under the Labour Party in the upcoming election, it emphasized that there is a process in place for choosing candidates. It noted that an automatic ticket is not part of that process and will not be offered to any aspirant.
Obi, who ran as the party’s presidential candidate in 2023, had told a group of young supporters, through a video shared on the party’s WhatsApp platform, that he remains a member and will run again under the Labour Party.
However, the party expressed concern over a conflicting development. Shortly after his declaration, Obi was seen attending a meeting with a pro-coalition group in Abuja, reportedly without informing the party’s leadership. The party found this move inconsistent with his earlier statements and questioned whether he had fully defined his goals for 2027.
Ifoh also pointed out that the party had previously granted automatic tickets to Obi and its sole governor during its 2024 national convention, but that decision was later reversed after reviewing the party’s constitution.
The Labour Party also took a strong stance against coalition talks ahead of the next general elections. It warned that Obi’s involvement in such alliances goes against the party’s principles and undermines its leadership.
The statement concluded by affirming that the 2027 presidential ticket is open to all aspirants who are ready to go through the party’s standard selection process.
