The Abure-led Labour Party announces the withdrawal of automatic tickets for Peter Obi and Alex Otti ahead of the 2027 elections, sparking discussions on internal party dynamics and candidate selection.
The Labour Party under the leadership of Julius Abure has nullified the prior arrangement wherein its presidential nominee, Peter Obi and Alex Otti, governor of Abia State were guaranteed automatic tickets for the upcoming 2027 election.
The Abure faction of the party officially announced this at its National Executive Council meeting in Abuja on Monday through a resolution.
The party announced that it is inviting all eligible Nigerians to apply for their tickets, spanning from the presidential seat down to seats in the House of Assemblies.
Last week, following a gathering of certain leaders within the Labour Party comprised of Obi, Otti and elected Senators/House Representatives in Umuahia, Abia State; it was decided to assign a 29-member care-taker committee with leadership responsibilities for the party temporarily.
Former Minister of Finance, Nenadi Usman will chair the Committee responsible for overseeing a leadership election within 90 days.
The decision made at the stakeholders meeting called by Otti in Umuahia has been invalidated by the NEC, as stated in a communication signed by Abure and National Secretary, Umar Ibrahim.
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According to the Abure-led NEC, following their National Convention on March 27th, 2024 in Nnewi Anambra State that adhered to both party and federal legislation constitutional requirements, there was no absence of leadership within the party.
As a result, the call was made to the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmud Yakubu, urging him to cease his support and collaboration with Governor Alex Otti of Abia State in inflicting more harm upon the party.
During the NEC session, it was observed that His Excellency Alex Otti frequently referenced the statement made by the INEC Chairman about the party officers’ tenure expiry. As a result of this observation and his concerns, he convened an assembly to establish a Caretaker Committee.
Therefore, based on the above statements, NEC in session requests all members, supporters and individuals from the public to ignore the alleged gathering and its results.
The National Executive Committee (NEC) reinstated its trust in Abure’s leadership over the National Working Committee and encouraged all members of the party to maintain their reverence for its guidance and comply with legal directives.
Additionally, the party granted authority to appoint vacant positions within the NWC and sanctioned State, Local Government, and Ward Congress as per schedule by the National Working Committee according to regulations provided in both party Constitution and other prevailing laws.
The NEC has also sanctioned the formation of a disciplinary committee, as stipulated by the Constitution.
During the session, NEC approved a review of certain disciplinary actions taken against members as part of efforts towards reconciliation.
