The Labour Party has responded to reports suggesting that it has zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the South-East, firmly denying the claim.
In a statement issued on Monday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, made it clear that the party has not, and will not, zone any of its positions to any specific region or individual.
This clarification comes after a statement titled “2027: Labour Party still available for Ndigbo to realise presidency – Abure,” released by the party on Sunday, sparked speculation that the 2027 presidential ticket had been reserved for the South-East.
Peter Obi, the former Governor of Anambra State, represented the Labour Party in the 2023 presidential election. Following this, rumors began circulating that the party’s 2027 ticket was being prepared for Obi to secure an automatic nomination.
In the statement, the Labour Party made it clear that it had never said it would zone the presidency or any other position for the upcoming election. The party emphasized that it remains open to political cooperation with the South-East, just as it did in 2023, when it offered a platform for the region to pursue its presidential aspirations.
National Chairman Barrister Julius Abure, who spoke at a gathering of South-East members of the party in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Saturday, suggested that the South-East could still achieve the presidency if the region comes together and works with other groups. He also noted that the Labour Party is a platform for Ndigbo’s political goals.
“The Labour Party is a national party with a broad base of supporters across the country, so zoning isn’t a consideration,” the statement added.
The party’s success in the 2023 elections, where it won seats in both the North and South, reflects its wide appeal. Labour Party officials are working towards surpassing these achievements in future elections.
