No Automatic Tickets for 2027 Elections, says Abure led faction of Labour Party

The Abure faction of the Labour Party has made it clear that Peter Obi, who was the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections after leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Governor Alex Otti of Abia, have been informed both need to compete for their positions like any other candidate in the upcoming elections.

This decision was announced following an emergency meeting of the Julius Abure faction of the Labour Party’s National Executive Council (NEC) held yesterday. The resolution was conveyed by Mr. Innocent Okeke, the party’s Deputy National Secretary, who emphasized that all party tickets are now open to qualified Nigerians, promoting a fair and competitive process.

During the same meeting, it was noted that Governor Otti had convened a stakeholder meeting in Umuahia, Abia. At this meeting, Otti dissolved the National Working Committee (NWC), NEC, state council, local government, and ward executives of the party. These positions were then replaced by a Caretaker Committee led by Mrs. Nenadi Usman.

However, Okeke contested this action, stating that Governor Otti did not have the authority to make these changes according to the Labour Party’s constitution. He pointed out that only the National Secretary, with the approval of the National Chairman, has the constitutional power to make such significant decisions. According to Okeke, Otti did not have the right to convene a meeting of his ward executives without the approval of the ward chairman.

The Labour Party’s constitution provides specific guidelines on how party officials can be removed and how disciplinary actions can be taken against members who bring disrepute to the party. Okeke urged all party members and the general public to disregard the results of Otti’s meeting and to continue supporting the leadership of the Julius Abure-led NWC.

In response, Julius Abure criticized Governor Otti’s actions, calling them a betrayal of the Labour Party’s principles. Abure condemned the move as illegal and contrary to the party’s values. He highlighted that the Labour Party has always been a beacon of hope for the oppressed, marginalized, and voiceless in Nigeria.

According to Abure, the party’s mission is to unite the country, not to be divided by internal conflicts. He expressed his disappointment that individuals who have benefited from the party’s support are now working to destabilize it from within. Abure emphasized that true positive change will only come through the collective efforts of the party’s supporters and expressed hope for a brighter future built on unity and integrity.
This stance underscores the Labour Party’s commitment to maintaining a democratic and transparent selection process for its candidates, ensuring that all positions are earned through merit and fair competition.