Labour Party’s Directorate on Mobilization and Integration denies plans to replace Peter Obi as its 2027 Presidential candidate, dismissing reports of a reconciliation with the Lamidi Apapa-led faction that would introduce a new candidate.
A reports had it that both Julius Abure, the current National Chairman, and the Apapa faction, which is contending for leadership, have reached an agreement to set aside their differences and collaborate.
Abayomi Arabambi, the spokesperson for the Apapa faction, further indicated that the Obi-Datti Presidential campaign within the party is no longer in existence and has been disbanded, with everyone returning to their previous roles as governorship and presidential candidates.
In a statement released on Sunday, signed by Marcel Ngogbehei, the Director General of the Directorate, Ambassador Aju Elumelu, Deputy Director of Media and Communications, and Sheikh Rufai Al-Saddiq, Deputy Director of Strategic Engagement, the directorate acknowledged that attempts are being made to reconcile dissatisfied factions within the party.
However, they clarified that no agreement has been reached with these groups in preparation for the 2027 election.
In a statement announced, Labour Party spokesman said, “The Party has decided to follow a peaceful approach to resolving the internal misunderstanding.
“This effort within the Labour Party and its successes has elicited different reactions; and also, we have seen an attempt by the opposition to make a false spin for their own selfish interest, misinforming the general public with the aim of causing more crisis in our Party.
“For the records, this Directorate was setup to facilitate reconciliation and help mobilize and integrate Labour Party stakeholders toward electoral victory for our Presidential Candidate H.E Peter Obi come 2027.
“The Party Leadership recognised the need for unity and cohesion within the Party as a requirement for internal party stability and improving the winning chances of H.E Peter Obi in the coming 2027 elections
“We have reached out through various channels to different stakeholders and discussions are still ongoing on various fronts; and we are also making great successes in this endeavour.
“To misconstrue this effort as against our presidential candidate is unfortunate and we can’t help those with this mindset. But to set the records straight, HE Peter Obi remains our Presidential Candidate for 2027 as ratified and all the Party Leadership are behind him and committed to his message of a New Nigeria.”
