The Labour Party has ruled out the possibility of hoim by any political coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting it remains ideologically distinct and focused on charting an independent path.
The embattled National Chairman of the party, Julius Abure, made this known during a press briefing in Abuja on Monday, shortly after the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting.
“NEC in session reiterates that Labour Party will not be part of any coalition for the 2027 general election,” Abure declared.
The meeting, which was attended by members of the National Working Committee, national officers, and the party’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate, Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed, also produced key resolutions, co-signed by Abure and the party’s National Secretary, Alhaji Farouk Ibrahim.
Abure said the Labour Party was determined to build on the momentum of the 2023 polls and would not align with parties or individuals who had once mismanaged the nation.
“NEC believes the 2023 coalition was more impactful than any other. We will rebuild, reconcile, and consolidate the gains of that election,” he said.
“The Labour Party is ideologically distinct, with programmes and philosophy that address Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges. We therefore cannot align with politically spent forces who previously mismanaged the nation’s resources and opportunities.”
Addressing internal wranglings, Abure condemned a parallel meeting held by a faction of the party in Umuahia on July 18, describing it as illegal and unconstitutional.
“NEC disassociates from the meeting’s outcomes, including the renaming of the illegal Umuahia Caretaker Committee as an Interim National Working Committee,” he stated.
“Illegality cannot be legitimised by rebranding. The so-called Interim NWC remains unlawful.”
Abure insisted that there was no leadership vacuum in the Labour Party, citing the March 27 National Convention held in Nnewi as valid and constitutionally compliant.
“The Supreme Court validated the convention through its ruling delivered on April 4,” he said.
He further urged the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, to recognise and respect the court’s ruling and the legally established leadership of the party.
“Based on this, NEC urges the public to disregard the so-called meeting and its resolutions. NEC reaffirms confidence in the Julius Abure-led National Working Committee and calls for continued loyalty to party leadership,” he added.
The NEC also approved the conduct of congresses at the state, local government, and ward levels in accordance with the party’s constitution and relevant electoral laws.
Abure, while commending Senator Baba-Ahmed for his unwavering support, also confirmed that the 2023 running mate had declared his intention to contest again in the 2027 elections.
