The Labour Party (LP) has refuted claims that it has zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the South-East, insisting that the issue of zoning does not arise.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, the party clarified that recent comments made by its National Chairman, Julius Abure, were taken out of context.
“Labour Party is a national party and has large followership across the country and, therefore, the issue of zoning does not arise,” Ifoh said.
The spokesperson explained that Abure’s remarks at a gathering on Saturday were meant as advice to South-East members, encouraging them to reach out to other political groups.
“Ndigbo could still achieve the presidency if they can form stronger alliances with other regions,” Ifoh stated, drawing comparisons to how the Yoruba political bloc succeeded through strategic realignments.
Ifoh further emphasized that in the 2023 general elections, the Labour Party secured seats across both the northern and southern regions, and the party is focused on building on that success in future elections.
“In the 2023 general elections, the party won seats in the north and across the southern states, and we are working hard to surpass that achievement in future elections,” he said.
The statement also made clear that “candidates for every position must emerge through highly competitive and democratic processes, as the party’s constitution does not permit zoning.”
“We, therefore, regret the misinterpretation of the party’s noble intention by a section of the media. Our party was quoted out of context,” Ifoh concluded.
In the 2023 elections, the LP fielded former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, as its presidential candidate.
However, Obi was defeated by Bola Tinubu of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), while trailing closely behind former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
