LP Shuts Door On Automatic Ticket For Obi

The Labour Party has stated that no aspirant, including Peter Obi, will receive a direct ticket ahead of the 2027 elections as the party moves into a fresh cycle of congresses and primaries.

The position was made known as questions grow over Obi’s next political move and his long-standing rift with the party leadership.

The party explained that all nominations will be settled at its convention, where every contender must compete for the ticket. This approach, according to party officials, applies to all levels of elective offices as the leadership insists on keeping its internal process open to everyone.

The issue gained attention because Obi has kept away from the present leadership for about a year. His absence has widened the gap between both sides, especially after earlier disputes that followed the 2023 presidential election and the calls from his supporters for reforms within the party.

The party said its latest NEC meeting focused mainly on preparing for congresses and primaries across the states. Officials reported that the process has already started in Ekiti and will move to other states, with electoral monitors working with the party on candidate uploads and documentation.

The strained relationship between Obi and National Chairman Julius Abure traces back to the turbulence that followed the 2023 polls. Accusations around fund management, internal control, and repeated court battles pushed Obi to distance himself from party activities, leaving his political plans unclear.

The Labour Party’s new stance comes as the African Democratic Congress invites Obi to consider joining its coalition ahead of 2027. While the ADC values his political strength, it has also said it will keep its own rules and zoning plans unchanged as Obi continues wider consultations before choosing his next path.