The Labour Party (LP) has confidently declared its ability to secure victory in the 2027 presidential election without forming a coalition, attributing its optimism to strong grassroots support and a growing appeal among Nigerians. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, made this assertion while dismissing recent speculations about a potential alliance with Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He emphasized that the Labour Party had not been invited to any coalition talks and remained focused on its independent path to power.
Reflecting on the 2023 general elections, Ifoh highlighted the party’s performance as evidence of its potential to challenge and unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) without external alliances. According to him, millions of Nigerians supported the Labour Party’s vision and voted for change, demonstrating that the party could stand alone and still achieve significant electoral success. He argued that if elections were held again today, the Labour Party would perform even better due to widespread disillusionment with the current administration’s performance.
Ifoh pointed out that the party’s campaign platform in 2023 was rooted in addressing the country’s pressing needs, and those issues remain just as relevant. He stated that Nigerians continue to resonate with the principles and policies advocated by the Labour Party, reinforcing its confidence in a successful outcome for future elections. He reiterated that while coalitions are not inherently negative, the Labour Party does not see an immediate need for such alliances to achieve victory. However, he added that if approached, the party would evaluate any merger proposals carefully, considering both merits and potential drawbacks before making a decision.
The speculation about a coalition involving the Labour Party, PDP, and NNPP has been widespread, but key figures have consistently dismissed these claims. Kwankwaso recently refuted any coalition talks, stating in a BBC Hausa interview that he had not been in contact with either Atiku or Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in 2023. Similarly, Obi distanced himself from the rumors during a press conference, affirming that he was not involved in any such arrangement.
Despite these denials, the acting National Chairman of the PDP, Umar Damagum, expressed a contrasting viewpoint. He argued that defeating the APC in 2027 would require a united front, including the PDP, asserting that no coalition without the PDP would succeed. According to Damagum, the PDP’s enduring presence and electoral achievements over two decades prove its indispensability in any serious political alliance. He questioned the effectiveness of alliances formed without the PDP in the past, noting that such efforts had failed to produce meaningful results.
The Labour Party’s stance underscores its strategic independence and confidence in its growing political relevance. As the 2027 elections approach, the party remains focused on strengthening its grassroots connections and building on its momentum to offer Nigerians an alternative vision for governance. While the debate over coalitions and mergers continues among opposition parties, the Labour Party’s message of self-reliance and reform resonates with many voters disenchanted with the status quo, positioning it as a formidable contender in the upcoming electoral contest.
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