OPPOSITION Labour Party (LP) has said it wasn’t losing sleep over yesterday’s meeting of its presidential candidate during last year’s general elections, Mr Peter Obi and some key figures in the rival Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Mr Obi held a closed-door meeting with the former Vice President and the 2023 PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, in Abuja on Monday. He also separately met with a former governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, and former Senate President, Bukola Saraki. This has fueled speculation that the former Anambra State governor may be contemplating a return to the party he left in the run-up to the 2023 elections.
Eighteen-Eleven Media recalls that on Wednesday 27 March 2024, the LP’s highest decision-making body, the National Convention, announced it has reserved its 2027 ticket for the party’s leader, Mr.Peter Obi.
In the same breath, the party also announced a right of first refusal for the Abia State Governor, Alex Oti, should he decide to seek reelection on the party’s platform.
This decision was contained in a Communique issued after the party’s National Convention, held in Nnewi, Anambra State, on Wednesday 27 March 2024.
It was signed by the re-elected National Chairman of the party, Comrade Julius Abure, and National Secretary, Umar Faruk Ibrahim.
The communique read in part: “The convention-in-session based on the antecedents of the presidential candidate before, during and after the 2023 General Elections recommend that the 2027 presidential ticket of the party be solely reserved for His Excellency, Mr Peter Gregory Obi, the National leader of the party.
“Furthermore, the convention-in-session reviewed the ongoing development and performance of its governor in Abia State, His Excellency, Dr Alex Otti and passed a vote of confidence on him and recommended the 2027 Abia State gubernatorial ticket of the party be reserved for His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti.”
However, speaking on the various meetings with rival PDP stalwarts, the the LP National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, said the party was in support of the meeting, and that it was timely.
Mr Ifoh stated that the meeting was that of like-minded individuals who believe there is a need for better leadership in the nation.
The LP spokesman also disclosed that additional meetings had been scheduled to occur ahead of the 2027 general election.
He said Nigeria is facing difficult times under the APC administration, which seems directionless for the past twelve months.
He said: “Yes, it was a meeting of like-minded individuals who believe there is a need for better leadership in our nation. They are people who see that Nigerians are suffering, not receiving what they bargained for, and observe corruption persisting in high places while Nigeria’s resources are mismanaged.
“They believe it’s the right time to unite and take action to address the challenges facing Nigeria today. Despite the government being barely a year old, Nigeria is facing difficult times under the APC administration, which seems directionless.
“This meeting is just the beginning; there will be further interactions and gatherings with other individuals. Together, they will brainstorm on how to rescue the nation. The party is fully aware of the meeting and is committed to working hard to achieve something significant for our country.”
Eighteen-Eleven Media