The Labour Party (LP) has dismissed reports suggesting that its 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, would be automatically granted the party’s ticket for the 2027 presidential race. The party also denied similar claims concerning Abia State Governor Alex Otti.
The clarification came after Abayomi Arabambi, the factional National Publicity Secretary of LP, stated during a television appearance that Obi would return as the party’s flagbearer in 2027 to challenge President Bola Tinubu.
“Tinubu is not just going to have it very easy in 2027; we are coming back with Peter Obi so that they will know we are very serious,” Arabambi declared.
However, in an interview with Punch, LP’s official National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, strongly refuted these claims. “No, that news is not from us, and we don’t have any camp.
The report concerning our presidential ticket will be done in line with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Electoral Law (as amended),” Ifoh emphasized.
Ifoh further stressed that the party would adhere to proper procedures in selecting its candidate for the 2027 elections. “We have said it clearly before and we are saying it again that anyone who wants to fly our flag must meet our requirements and that of the electoral law and the constitution. So the party has not entered into any agreement to give automatic tickets to anybody,” he added.
With this clarification, the Labour Party has confirmed that the path to the 2027 presidential ticket remains open, with all potential candidates required to undergo the party’s selection process.