The Labour Party has announced that there will be no automatic ticket for its 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and Governor Alex Otti of Abia State in the 2027 elections. This decision was made during an emergency meeting of the party’s National Executive Council (NEC), led by Julius Abure.
The party’s Deputy National Secretary, Innocent Okeke, stated that all tickets from the presidency to the House of Assembly are open to all qualified Nigerians. He also addressed the recent meeting convened by Governor Otti, which resulted in the dissolution of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), NEC, state council, local government, and ward executives.
Okeke emphasized that Governor Otti did not have the power to call such a meeting, as it is vested in the National Secretary with the approval of the National Chairman. He urged party members and supporters to disregard Otti’s meeting and its outcome, reaffirming confidence in the leadership of the Abure-led NWC.
In a speech, Abure described Otti’s actions as a betrayal, stating that the Labour Party has always been a beacon of hope for the oppressed, marginalized, and voiceless in Nigeria. He emphasized the need for unity and collective effort to achieve the party’s mandate.
The development highlights the ongoing internal conflicts within the Labour Party, with factions emerging and challenging the leadership. The party’s stance on not offering automatic tickets to Obi and Otti suggests a commitment to democratic processes and open competition for positions. As the 2027 elections approach, the Labour Party’s internal dynamics will likely continue to shape its trajectory and impact on Nigerian politics.
