Coalition: Obi Lacks Authority To Represent Labour Party – Abure

Barrister Julius Abure, the factional National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), has stated that Peter Obi, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, does not have the authority to negotiate any coalition or alliance on behalf of the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Abure made this known amid widespread speculation that the LP was celebrating Obi’s recent declaration of his intent to contest in 2027 under the party’s platform. According to him, the Labour Party’s presidential ticket remains open and will be contested in accordance with the party’s rules.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Monday by the faction’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, the party clarified its position on any proposed coalition: “We have consistently maintained that the Labour Party will not engage in any coalition or merger ahead of the 2027 general election,” the statement read.

“Obi’s continued involvement with such coalition efforts is not only inappropriate but unacceptable to the party. It undermines the authority of the party leadership and disregards the internal processes that guide our decision-making.”

The statement emphasized that while the party welcomes all aspirants interested in contesting on its platform in 2027, it rejects the idea of granting automatic tickets.

“Although the party, during its 2024 National Convention, mistakenly offered automatic tickets to our former presidential candidate and our only governor, that decision has since been reversed after reviewing our constitution and internal guidelines,” Ifoh added.

The statement also criticized Obi for attending a meeting of a pro-coalition group in Abuja without prior consultation or approval from the LP leadership.

“This move is confusing and suggests that Peter Obi has yet to fully clarify his intentions for the 2027 presidential election,” the party stated.

“We want to make it clear to Nigerians that the Labour Party’s presidential ticket for 2027 is open to all eligible aspirants and will be determined through due process.”