Amid growing internal tensions within the Labour Party (LP), the party’s National Secretary, Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, has stated that the presidential ticket for the 2027 general elections is not reserved for any individual, including its 2023 flag bearer, Peter Obi.
Speaking during an interview with Trust TV, Ibrahim expressed concern over Obi’s recent political overtures to leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), warning that such actions may jeopardize his chances of securing the LP ticket again.
“The seat of that candidacy is not reserved for anybody. It is open for a competitive contest,” Ibrahim declared. He emphasized that the Labour Party remains committed to internal democracy and will not offer an automatic ticket to any aspirant, regardless of past affiliations or popularity.
Reinforcing the party’s openness, Ibrahim stated that Obi’s 2023 running mate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, is equally qualified to contest for the presidency under the LP banner.
“Datti is qualified to contest for the presidency as good as Peter Obi,” he said. “If Datti is willing to aspire for presidency and he wants to do that under the Labour Party, we will open it. Come and buy the form, mobilise support, and then get elected.”
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He further cautioned against dual political loyalties, stressing that consistent engagement with rival parties may lead to disqualification.
“There’s no way you’ll continue to romance with another political party and then still come back to have one leg in Labour Party. No. Ab initio, you may be disqualified,” he warned.
This development follows Baba-Ahmed’s recent comments expressing readiness to contest in 2027 should Obi opt out. However, he also maintained that the presidency is not a desperate ambition for him, and he continues to back Obi for another run on the LP platform.
The unfolding drama signals a possible reshaping of the party’s leadership ahead of the next general elections, as internal debate intensifies over loyalty, strategy, and the future direction of the movement that energized millions in 2023.