Barr. Julius Abure, LP National Chairman,
The Labour Party (LP) has refuted claims that it has zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to any particular region, contradicting earlier remarks by its National Chairman, Julius Abure, which suggested the South-East might retain the party’s backing.
Abure, while addressing party members at a South-East LP rally in Abuja, had reiterated the party’s previous commitment to supporting the region’s political aspirations. Reflecting on the 2023 election, he stated:
“I have no regrets that, in spite of all odds, we zoned the presidential ticket of our party to the South-East. We decided that we were going to clean the tears of the Igbo, and we powerfully and courageously did that in the 2023 general election.”
He also urged the Igbo to strengthen political alliances with other regions, pointing to the Yoruba bloc’s strategic realignments as an example of how to enhance electoral success in 2027.
However, in a subsequent statement, the party sought to clarify its position, insisting that no zoning arrangement had been made for the upcoming election.
The National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, emphasized that LP’s presidential candidate would emerge through a democratic and transparent process.
“The Labour Party has not and will not zone any of its positions to any geographical zone or individual,” the statement read.
It also acknowledged the significant role played by the South-East in the 2023 election but stressed that this did not automatically translate into a repeat endorsement in 2027.
This clarification has fueled speculation that the LP is adjusting its political strategy to maintain a broader national appeal, particularly in the North and South-West, where it seeks to expand its influence.
Analysts interpret the move as a tactical decision aimed at strengthening the party’s chances in the next general election.
Former LP National Treasurer Oluchi Oparah weighed in on the matter, critiquing Abure’s initial remarks for promoting an ethnic-based approach to the presidency.
Oparah argued that leadership should be determined by merit and competence rather than ethnic considerations.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BoT), Adolphus Wabara, has found himself at the center of controversy within his party following his public commendation of Abia State Governor Alex Otti of the Labour Party (LP).
Wabara, a former Senate President, has been accused of anti-party activities by the PDP’s Abia State Working Committee (SWC), which recently suspended him, citing his alleged endorsement of a second term for Governor Otti.
However, the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) swiftly overruled the suspension, triggering a standoff between the state and national leadership.
Speaking at an 80th birthday celebration in Umuahia for PDP elder Dr. Emelike Okoro, Wabara reiterated his support for Otti, saying:
“Politics ends after campaigns and elections; governance should take centre stage. Even a blind man can see what is happening in Abia! I will continue to appreciate Governor Otti for the good works he is doing. Let them suspend me, expel me—I am first a citizen of Abia before being a PDP member.”
He also criticized the party leadership for targeting him, suggesting that their actions could extend to others.
“I have not mentioned the Labour Party; I have always mentioned Governor Alex Otti. We are all with you,” he declared.
Wabara further acknowledged that despite initial resistance from some within the PDP, Otti has been steering Abia State in a positive direction.
The celebrant, Okoro, also praised Otti’s leadership, describing it as a “breath of fresh air” for the state.
