The embattled Labour Party chairman, Julius Abure, has announced a significant shift in the party’s approach to its 2027 presidential race. During a press briefing following the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja, Abure revealed that the Labour Party will no longer reserve its presidential ticket for its former candidate, Peter Obi. The change marks a departure from previous expectations, with Abure stating that the ticket for the 2027 presidential election will now be open to all party members, offering equal opportunity to all qualified candidates.
Addressing the party’s decision, Abure said that the NEC revisited and revised the decision made during their National Convention, which had initially reserved both the Presidential and Governorship tickets for Peter Obi and Alex Otti, respectively. He emphasized that the new direction of the Labour Party would ensure that every position, from the presidency down to local offices such as the House of Assemblies, would be accessible to any qualified Nigerian citizen within the party. This move appears aimed at fostering greater inclusivity and internal democracy within the Labour Party, giving room for competition and wider participation in the upcoming election cycles.
In addition to the discussion around the presidential ticket, Abure clarified the party’s stance regarding Governor Alex Otti of Abia State. While Otti had initially secured the Labour Party’s support in the governorship race, Abure made it clear that there would be no automatic second-term ticket for him. The party is set on ensuring a transparent and open contest for every position, including that of the governor, meaning that other qualified aspirants within the Labour Party will have the opportunity to challenge Otti for the 2027 election.
Further complicating matters, Abure addressed issues regarding the internal leadership of the party in Abia State. He criticized a recent stakeholders’ meeting convened by Governor Otti, claiming that the governor lacked the authority to organize such a meeting. Abure pointed to the party’s constitution, particularly Article 14 (4) (B), which vests the power to call official meetings in the hands of the National Secretary, with approval from the National Chairman. According to him, Otti had overstepped his bounds, as even calling a meeting of his ward executives would require the approval of his Ward Chairman, let alone convening a state-level stakeholder gathering.
The embattled chairman also raised concerns about legal violations in connection with the meeting called by Otti, stating that it contravened provisions of the Electoral Act 2022. The Act, according to Abure, mandates that any registered political party must give the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at least 21 days’ notice before holding conventions, congresses, or meetings that aim to elect executive committees or nominate candidates. The failure to meet these legal requirements only worsened the internal crisis brewing within the Labour Party, especially in Abia State.
Abure further addressed the growing tension between the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) and some of its governors. He firmly stated that no governor, no matter how powerful or influential, has the right to dissolve the NWC or dismantle the state and local government councils. Abure maintained that such powers do not exist even under military regimes, insisting that the leadership of the Labour Party would defend the mandate given to them during their convention in March 2024.
At this critical juncture for the Labour Party, Abure expressed deep concern over internal divisions. He noted that instead of supporting efforts to restructure and unite the party, some members had chosen to pursue a path of division and discord. This disunity was evident in an illegal meeting held in Abia State, which was reportedly spearheaded by Peter Obi and Governor Alex Otti. Abure characterized this gathering as a direct challenge to the party’s leadership and described it as an attempt to establish a new leadership structure without the approval or involvement of the NEC.
The chairman did not mince words, calling this action a betrayal of the values and principles the Labour Party stands for. He argued that such moves, rather than fostering unity, only created deeper fractures within the party, undermining its goals and objectives. Abure expressed disappointment in the actions of those involved, describing them as a reward for loyalty with disloyalty and a show of ingratitude towards the party’s leadership.
The Labour Party now faces a crucial period ahead, as it prepares for the 2027 elections and strives to resolve the internal conflicts that threaten its unity. The decision to open the presidential ticket and other positions to all members, rather than reserving them for specific individuals, may serve to strengthen the party’s democratic processes, but it also highlights the challenges of managing internal power struggles.