Julius Abure, the embattled national chairman of the Labour Party (LP), announced that the party’s presidential ticket for the 2027 election is no longer exclusively reserved for its previous candidate, Peter Obi. Abure revealed this during a press briefing following the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja on Monday, stating that the presidential ticket is now open to all qualified members of the party.
He explained, “NEC has reviewed the earlier decision of the National Convention to reserve the presidential and governorship tickets for Peter Obi and Alex Otti, respectively. Consequently, all party positions, from the presidency to state assembly seats, will be open for competition among qualified candidates.”
Also read: Labour Party Crisis Deepens as Peter Obi, Alex Otti Clash with Julius Abure’s Faction
Abure also dismissed any notion of an automatic second-term ticket for Abia State Governor Alex Otti, clarifying that the position will be available to other contenders as well.
In addressing a recent controversy, Abure criticized Governor Otti’s actions, specifically his attempt to convene a stakeholders’ meeting and establish a caretaker committee. Abure emphasized that under the Labour Party’s constitution, only the National Secretary, with approval from the National Chairman, has the authority to call such meetings.
He further stated, “Governor Otti lacks the power, under our constitution, to convene even a Ward Executive meeting without the consent of his Ward Chairman. The recent meeting violates Section 82 of the Electoral Act 2022, which requires political parties to give the Commission at least 21 days’ notice before any convention or meeting aimed at electing members or nominating candidates.”
Abure went on to say that no governor could intimidate the party’s leadership or unilaterally dissolve key bodies such as the National Working Committee (NWC), state councils, or local government councils. He added, “The mandate given to me and my team during the March 27, 2024, Labour Party convention remains intact and will be protected.”
Abure condemned recent actions by some party members, particularly Governor Alex Otti and Peter Obi, describing their attempts to create division within the party as illegal. He concluded by asserting that the Labour Party’s leadership will not tolerate disloyalty or attempts to undermine the party’s unity.
