Abure Declares Peter Obi Lacks Mandate to Negotiate 2027 Coalition

The Labour Party (LP) has once again been plunged into internal turmoil as factional National Chairman, Barr. Julius Abure, declared that the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has no authority to enter into any coalition talks on behalf of the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja by the National Publicity Secretary of the Abure-led faction, Obiora Ifoh, the group distanced the party from Obi’s recent involvement in a pro-coalition meeting, describing it as “distasteful” and “unacceptable.”

“We have consistently said that the Labour Party will not go into any coalition or merger of any sort ahead of the 2027 general election,” Ifoh stated.

He further said Obi’s participation in a coalition meeting without the party’s consent was an affront to the leadership and a sign of disregard for the party’s internal decision-making process.

While acknowledging Obi’s right to contest under the LP banner, the faction stressed that the party’s 2027 presidential ticket remains open and that no candidate—including Obi—has been granted automatic candidacy.

“Although the party erroneously granted automatic tickets during the 2024 National Convention to our former presidential candidate and the party’s only governor, those decisions have since been reversed after consulting the statute books,” Ifoh explained.

He added that the Labour Party will adhere strictly to its internal democratic processes in selecting its next flagbearer.

Obi, who recently declared his intention to run again under the Labour Party, was reportedly seen at a coalition meeting in Abuja on Sunday—an act the Abure faction claimed occurred without consultation or permission from the party’s leadership.

“This to us is really confusing, and we think Peter Obi has not come to terms with his intentions for the 2027 presidential race,” the statement concluded.

The latest development highlights the deepening rift within the Labour Party, raising questions about its unity and readiness ahead of the next election cycle.