The Labour Party (LP) has dismissed claims that its 2027 presidential ticket has been zoned to the South-East region.
In an official statement, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, clarified that remarks attributed to LP National Chairman, Julius Abure, were misinterpreted and taken out of context.
Ifoh emphasized that LP is a national party with strong support across all regions of Nigeria, making the issue of zoning irrelevant.
“Labour Party is a national party with a large following across the country; therefore, zoning is not part of our structure,” the statement read.
According to Ifoh, Abure’s statement was directed at some South-East party members during a gathering on Saturday. He simply advised them that Ndigbo could still achieve the presidency by forming alliances with other regions, similar to how the Yoruba political bloc has successfully advanced its political interests over the years.
The Labour Party spokesman encouraged Igbo leaders to strengthen political ties beyond their region to increase their chances of securing the presidency in 2027.
“In the 2023 general elections, LP secured victories in the North and across the Southern states. We are working to build on this success in future elections.”
Ifoh further stressed that all candidates, including the presidential flag bearer, must emerge through a transparent and democratic process as outlined in the party’s constitution, which does not support zoning.
The party expressed regret over the misrepresentation of Abure’s remarks by certain media outlets, insisting that LP’s stance remains clear.
“Our party was quoted out of context. We remain committed to democratic principles and ensuring fair competition for all aspirants.”
The Labour Party reassured its members and supporters that its presidential ticket for 2027 will be determined through a competitive and inclusive process, ensuring the best candidate emerges.
PRESS STATEMENT FROM THE LABOUR PARTY
We never said Presidency is zoned to South East in 2027 – Labour Party
The leadership of the Labour Party has denied the news making the rounds that it has zoned the 2027 presidential ticket to the South East. For emphasis and clarity, the… pic.twitter.com/HLsf5uTd8X
— LabourPartyNG (@NgLabour) February 17, 2025
In 2023, the opposition party fielded former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, as its presidential candidate in the polls.
Obi, however, lost to Bola Tinubu, the then-presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress. He trailed closely behind former vice president Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
