2027: Labour Party rules out automatic ticket for Peter Obi, stresses internal democracy

The Labour Party has made it clear that Peter Obi, its 2023 presidential candidate, will not receive an automatic ticket if he decides to contest under the party in the 2027 general elections.

This position was reaffirmed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, during an interview with Punch.

His comments come amid growing uncertainty over Obi’s political direction and rising tensions between the former Anambra governor and the Julius Abure–led Labour Party leadership.

Ifoh emphasized that the Labour Party is committed to internal democracy and will not bend its rules for any aspirant, no matter how influential.

“The Labour Party has constantly said that the issue of tickets will be determined at the party’s convention. The NEC has spoken concerning our presidential candidacy.

Every candidate must emerge through a democratically convened convention. There is no automatic ticket for anyone, whether for presidential, governorship, or chairmanship aspirants,” he said.

He added that the party’s internal processes cannot be compromised, and any aspirant, including Obi, must follow the established procedure.

Ifoh also revealed that Peter Obi has kept his distance from the current party leadership for about a year, leaving his true political stance unclear.

“Obi’s position in the Labour Party can only be answered by him. Nobody can speak for him. Whether he is in the ADC or Labour Party, he is the only one that can answer that question,” he added.

The statement has fueled further speculation about Obi’s next move, with rumours of possible alignments with other political parties circulating.

Despite the tension, Ifoh noted that the Labour Party remains open to reconciliation with Obi and other aggrieved members. However, he stressed that reconciliation does not override the rules guiding the party’s primaries.