Labour Party’s Julius Abure declares that all tickets for the 2027 elections are open to qualified Nigerians, rejecting the idea of reserved slots for Peter Obi or Alex Otti, amid ongoing political tussles and controversies within the party.
In a dramatic turn of events, Julius Abure, the factional leader of the Labour Party (LP), has declared that all tickets for the 2027 general elections are open to qualified Nigerians, effectively dismissing the notion that the party’s presidential and governorship tickets are reserved for Peter Obi and Alex Otti, respectively.
The announcement was made after a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Abuja on Monday, which aimed to address growing concerns and controversies within the party. In a communique that quickly went viral, Abure stated, “NEC in session also reviewed the decision of the National Convention to reserve its Presidential and Governorship tickets for Peter Gregory Obi and Alex Otti respectively. Consequently, all tickets of the party, from the Presidency to the House of Assemblies, are open to all qualified Nigerians.”
This declaration comes amid a deepening political tussle within the Labour Party, especially following a recent stakeholders’ meeting convened by Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, and Peter Obi, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate. The meeting, which stirred controversy, saw the appointment of former Finance Minister Nenadi Usman as a caretaker chairperson of the party, further exposing rifts within the party’s leadership.
Abure’s statement appears to be a direct challenge to the faction led by Otti and Obi, suggesting that the battle for control of the Labour Party is far from over. The announcement also comes at a time when the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared that Abure’s tenure as chairman has expired.
Political analysts believe Abure’s bold move to open all tickets for contestation is aimed at solidifying his hold over the party while also sending a message that no single individual, including Obi or Otti, is indispensable in the race towards 2027. This decision is expected to further complicate the ongoing struggle for the soul of the Labour Party, with various factions vying for dominance ahead of the next general elections.
The Labour Party’s internal battle is likely to intensify as other party leaders and members react to Abure’s declaration. While some see this as a move towards democratizing the party’s candidate selection process, others view it as a strategic ploy to undermine the influence of Peter Obi and Alex Otti.
The stakes are high, and the unfolding events suggest that the Labour Party will be a battleground in the coming months, with every move being closely watched by political observers and the Nigerian electorate. WATCH VIDEO BELOW:
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