Labour Party Confirms Capability to Win 2027 Elections Independently
The Labour Party (LP) has boldly declared its readiness to win the 2027 presidential election without entering into any coalition, citing its solid grassroots support and its strong performance in the 2023 elections as evidence of its ability to independently challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
In an interview the LP National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, dismissed recent speculations regarding potential coalition talks with Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Ifoh affirmed that the party had not been approached by any other political groups regarding a coalition and that no such discussions had taken place.
“As it stands, Labour Party has not been approached or invited to any meeting whatsoever to discuss a coalition. What we see already is that people are thinking of alternatives and how best elections can be won in a landslide against the ruling APC,” Ifoh explained.
He further reinforced the LP’s position, stating that the party’s strong showing in the 2023 elections demonstrated its potential to take over the leadership of the nation. “Labour Party didn’t need any coalition in 2023 when it gathered millions of votes from Nigerians who wanted Labour Party to take over the leadership of the nation. We will continue to say that the system played a trick on both Nigerians and Labour Party,” he added.
Ifoh went on to express the LP’s belief that it had what it takes to win elections at the highest level, citing the current dissatisfaction with the government of the day. “If elections were to hold again today, Labour Party would even do it in a bigger way because the government of the day has failed. Everything that Labour Party stands for and canvassed in 2023 is what Nigeria needs at the moment. So we do not even really need a coalition to win the election,” Ifoh asserted.
However, he also acknowledged that the party had not ruled out the possibility of a merger, should the conditions be right. “The idea of a coalition is not bad. If Labour Party is approached, the party will look into it to scrutinize and see the merits and its demerits. Again, we only see individuals talking. The opposition parties have not called for any meeting or taken the initiative for discussion until when the time comes,” Ifoh said.
His comments come amid growing speculation of a potential coalition between the LP, PDP, and NNPP in the lead-up to the 2027 presidential elections. However, both Kwankwaso and LP’s Peter Obi have publicly denied any involvement in such discussions. In a BBC Hausa interview last week, Kwankwaso stated, “I have not communicated with either Atiku or Obi,” and confirmed that he had maintained a neutral stance in recent months. Similarly, Obi, at a press conference, dismissed the rumours, stating, “I am not a party to any arrangement of this nature.”
In response to the growing political discussions, Umar Damagum, the acting National Chairman of the PDP, reiterated the importance of the PDP in any potential alliance. He argued that the APC could only be defeated in 2027 through a merger that includes the PDP. “The PDP is the only party that has consistently won elections without being in power. Senator Kwankwaso may have left, but how many states did he win with his new party? The facts speak for themselves. For over two decades, the PDP has remained steadfast, maintaining its identity and producing governors and lawmakers in every part of the country,” Damagum stated.
He also highlighted that, historically, opposition parties that attempted to challenge the PDP without its involvement had failed. “Even if four parties merge without the PDP, they cannot win an election. We’ve seen this play out repeatedly. Where are those parties now? Even their alliances with other parties have not delivered the desired results.”
As the 2027 elections draw closer, the political landscape continues to evolve, with the Labour Party firmly asserting its independence and confidence in its ability to challenge the status quo without a coalition. While other opposition parties may still consider potential alliances, the LP remains focused on its vision for the future of Nigeria.
