LP insists on Obi as 2027 presidential candidate

Labour Party (LP) Directorate on Mobilisation and Integration has denied any plan to dump Peter Obi as the party’s candidate ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The directorate was reacting to a report, which hinted that they had reconciled with the Lamidi Apapa-led faction of the party and agreed to field another candidate in 2027.

According to the report, camps of the incumbent National Chairman, Julius Abure, and Apapa faction laying claim to the mantle of leadership have agreed to sheathe their swords and work together.

Spokesman of the Apapa faction, Abayomi Arabambi, also hinted that there was nothing like Obi-Datti presidential campaign at the party anymore, saying it had been dissolved and everybody “reverted to former governorship and presidential candidate”.

But in a statement signed by the Director General of the Directorate, Marcel Ngogbehei; Deputy Director of Media and Communications, Aju Elumelu and the Deputy Director, Strategic Engagement, Rufai Al-Saddiq, yesterday, the directorate acknowledged efforts to reconcile aggrieved groups in the party, but no agreement ahead of the 2027 election with the groups.

LP, through a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, announced the creation of a directorate to see to the affairs of the Obidient Movement and encourage their participation in the party and the governance in Nigeria.

The statement reads, “The Leadership and members of our great party recognises the importance of this great admonition based on our African culture of ensuring peaceful coexistent among brothers and acknowledging a bigger target – liberating Nigeria from the shackles of greedy politicians and building a nation that protects the interest of its citizens.

“The party has decided to follow a peaceful approach to resolving the internal misunderstanding. This effort within LP and its successes has elicited different reactions. Also, we have seen an attempt by the opposition to make a false spin for their selfish interest, misinforming the general public to cause more crises in our party.”

It added that the party leadership recognised the need for unity and cohesion within the party as a requirement for internal party stability and for improving Obi’s winning chances in 2027.

“But to set the records straight, Peter Obi remains our presidential candidate for 2027 as ratified and all the party leadership is behind him and committed to his message of a new Nigeria.”