The Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the Media Sub-Committee of the Labour Party National Convention Planning Committee, Philip Agbese, has refuted claims linking the party’s leadership to a recent opposition strategy meeting held in Ibadan.
Agbese made the clarification while speaking with journalists at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on Monday, insisting that the presence of Labour Party members in Ibadan was unrelated to any coalition discussions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“We were not in Ibadan for any summit. As a party, we are focused on our national convention coming up on April 28, and on strengthening our internal processes ahead of the 2027 general elections,” the lawmaker, who recently defected from the All Progressives Congress, said.
His remarks followed reports suggesting that major opposition parties—including the Peoples Democratic Party, African Democratic Congress, and New Nigeria Peoples Party—met in Ibadan to explore the possibility of fielding a joint presidential candidate to challenge the ruling party in 2027.
Agbese, however, maintained that the Labour Party was not part of such engagements, stressing that the party’s immediate focus remains internal restructuring and consolidation.
“Our attention is on putting our house in order. The convention is a critical step in that process, and it is part of a broader effort to strengthen the party ahead of 2027,” he said.
He further noted that the party is working towards expanding its membership, strengthening internal democratic processes, and repositioning itself as a viable political force.
The lawmaker emphasised that unity within the party and organisational stability are key pillars of its strategy, adding that a solid internal structure is essential before pursuing external alliances.
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“We believe that before you talk about external alignments or engagements, you must first build a solid and united structure within your party. That is what we are doing,” he added.
Agbese also warned that while coalitions are a common feature in democratic systems, they should not undermine discipline and clarity within political parties.
“At this moment, we are not distracted by any summit or coalition talks. Our focus is clear: prepare for our National Convention, strengthen our internal systems, and position the party effectively for the 2027 elections,” he said.
The Ibadan meeting is one of several preliminary consultations among opposition figures, amid concerns over divisions within Nigeria’s opposition as the 2027 elections approach.
Following the 2023 general elections, where opposition votes were spread across multiple parties, there have been growing calls for greater unity to enhance electoral competitiveness.
Ibadan, often viewed as neutral political ground in the South-West, has increasingly served as a venue for cross-party discussions and informal strategy sessions.
Sources familiar with the recent gathering indicated that it was exploratory in nature, with participants considering options such as alliances and the adoption of a consensus presidential candidate.
These developments are unfolding against a backdrop of defections, internal crises, and legal disputes within major opposition parties—issues analysts warn could weaken their prospects if unresolved.