The Julius Abure-led Labour Party (LP) has expressed confidence that the exit of its 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, will not weaken the party’s prospects in the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at a rally held on Wednesday at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja, LP National Chairman, Julius Abure, said the party’s growth and electoral performance could not be attributed to Obi alone.
While acknowledging Obi’s contributions to the party’s performance in the 2023 elections, Abure insisted that Labour Party’s appeal was built on collective effort and expanding national acceptance.
“We had already laundered the image of our party, with many influential Nigerians approaching us to join. Some actually joined,” Abure said.
He cited Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, as an example, noting that Otti publicly stated he joined the Labour Party before Peter Obi and had no intention of defecting alongside him.
Abure also disclosed that shortly after Obi’s defection, the party’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate, Dr. Datti Baba-Ahmed, contacted him to affirm his loyalty to the party.
“He told me he was not leaving because this was the platform on which we received over 10 million votes, later reduced to six million — we all know what happened,” Abure said.
According to him, Baba-Ahmed proposed a private meeting with party leaders but later agreed that a broader gathering involving party members, artisans and grassroots supporters would better reflect the spirit of the party.
“That is why we are meeting here today. The Labour Party belongs to the ordinary people,” he added.
Abure stressed that the party remains united and committed to providing Nigerians with a credible alternative.
“The Labour Party is intact. We will not disappoint Nigerians. We will stay together and continue to offer hope,” he said.
Speaking in the same vein, Dr. Baba-Ahmed said his decision to remain in the party was guided by principle, describing the Labour Party as the most authentic platform for Nigerians seeking change. On speculation about a possible presidential bid in 2027, Baba-Ahmed said he would decide at the appropriate time.
“I am my own boss. I contested for president in 2019 before Peter Obi. I partnered with him in 2023 because I believed it was an opportunity to unite Nigerians,” he said.
“I am a Nigerian. I will make my decision known when the whistle is blown. I am Hausa, I am Muslim. Bola Tinubu is a human being, and there are human beings in the Labour Party,” he added.
LP Shrugs Off Obi’s Exit, Says Party Remains Strong Ahead of 2027
