The Labour Party has made it clear that it is not endorsing claims of celebrating Peter Obi’s announcement to run for president in 2027 using its platform. The party characterized Obi as being “confused” regarding his political aspirations.

In a statement released on Monday, May 26, National Publicity Secretary Obiorah Ifoh, speaking for National Chairman Julius Abure, clarified that recent stories indicating the party’s excitement about Obi’s political plans were incorrect and did not represent the leadership’s current position.

“First and foremost, while we are not opposed to anyone choosing to run under the Labour Party ticket in the 2027 general elections, it is essential to state unequivocally that our party has a well-established procedure for candidate selection, and granting an automatic ticket is not part of our process,” the statement emphasized.

Obi, who was the Labour Party’s presidential flagbearer in the 2023 general elections, told a group of young supporters in a video shared on the party’s WhatsApp platform over the weekend that he remains a member of the party and would contest in 2027 under its banner. “I will still continue to run in the Labour Party. I’m a member of the Labour Party,” Obi said when asked about his future plans.

However, the party noted a contradiction in Obi’s actions, pointing out that shortly after his declaration, he was spotted attending a meeting of a pro-coalition group in Abuja on Sunday, allegedly without the consent of the party leadership.

“This to us is really confusing and we think that Peter Obi has not come to terms with his intentions for the 2027 presidential race,” Ifoh said.

The statement also recalled the Labour Party’s reversal of an earlier decision during its 2024 National Convention, where automatic tickets were granted to Obi and the party’s only governor. “That decision has since been rescinded and reversed after consulting the statute books,” Ifoh added.

Reiterating its position against any form of coalition or merger ahead of the next general elections, the party warned that Obi’s continued association with such alliances was “distasteful, unacceptable, and an affront to the party leadership.”

“We view his position as a total disregard to the party’s right to make decisions guiding its affairs,” the statement concluded, adding that the party’s 2027 presidential ticket remains open to all aspirants willing to follow due process.