Labour Party Opens 2027 Presidential Ticket With Commitment To Fair Primaries.
The Labour Party (LP) has announced that its presidential ticket for the 2027 Nigerian general election is now open to all aspirants, with a firm pledge to ensure a transparent and impartial selection process. In a press briefing held in Abuja on Friday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Abayomi Arabambi, declared that no politician would be favoured, marking a significant shift in the party’s approach to candidate selection.
Arabambi emphasised that the LP will hold primary elections to determine its flagbearer, ensuring a level playing field for all contenders. “There shall be primary elections in the Labour Party, and no aspirant will be favoured this time around,” he stated, underscoring the party’s commitment to merit-based selection. This move comes as the LP seeks to rebuild trust and strengthen its position ahead of the 2027 polls.
Reflecting on the 2023 general election, Arabambi described the selection of Peter Obi as the party’s presidential candidate as a “blunder with lasting consequences” and a “betrayal of Nigerians.” Obi, who came third in the election, securing victories in 12 states including the Federal Capital Territory, according to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has recently joined a coalition movement under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to contest in 2027. Arabambi questioned Obi’s loyalty to the LP and dismissed the coalition as comprising “Yahoo Yahoo politicians” responsible for hardships in Nigeria from 2015 to 2023.
The LP’s decision to open its ticket follows internal discussions aimed at correcting past mistakes and fostering unity within the party. Arabambi stressed that the 2027 election must not repeat the errors of the previous cycle, urging Nigerians to reject coalitions that have previously failed the nation. “We wish Obi well in his coalition, but the Labour Party’s presidential ticket is now open to all Nigerians,” he added.
The announcement has sparked reactions across the political spectrum, with many viewing it as a bold step towards inclusivity and democratic fairness within the LP. The party’s leadership, under National Chairman Julius Abure, has been navigating challenges, including disputes with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and allegations of external interference. However, the LP remains focused on its goal of presenting a credible candidate to address Nigeria’s pressing issues, such as poverty, insurgency, and corruption.
As the 2027 election approaches, the Labour Party’s commitment to a transparent primary process is likely to draw significant interest from aspirants and voters alike. Political analysts suggest that this open approach could attract a diverse pool of candidates, potentially reshaping the party’s role in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
