Labour Party Denies Zoning 2027 Presidency to South East

By Chinedu Echianu

The leadership of the Labour Party has denied the news making the rounds that it has zoned the 2027 presidential ticket to the South East, adding that the party has not and will not zone any of its positions to any geographical zone or individual.

The position of the Labour Party came barely fourty eight hours after a comment credited to the National Chairman of the Party, Julius Abure in which he stated that the Labour Party is still available for the South East to realise their quest for the presidency.

However, a statement released on Monday by the National Publicity Secretary of LP, Obiora Ifoh said the party did not at any time said it has zoned the presidency or any of its positions in the coming election.

It went further to say: “The party was emphatic on its position that though, it made its platform available for the South East to pursue its political aspirations in the 2023 election, it will not close its doors to the zone if it chooses to work with the party in future elections.

“The National Chairman, Barrister Julius Abure on Saturday while speaking at a gathering of South East members of the party in FCT only advised that Ndigbo can still achieve the presidency if they are more united and are able to reach out to other groups, and that the Labour Party is a veritable platform for their aspiration.

“Labour Party is a national party and has large followership across the country and therefore the issue of zoning does not arise. In 2023 general elections, the party won seats in the North and across the Southern states and we are working hard to surpass that achievement in future elections. Candidates of every position must emerge through highly competitive and democratic processes as the party constitution does not permit zoning.

“We therefore regret the misinterpretation of the party’s noble intention by a section of the media. Our party was quoted out of context. However, we are excited by the deluge of concerns raised by the public over the misinformation, it clearly shows the level of love and trust Nigerians have for the Labour Party and how far they are willing to support the party in the task of repositioning Nigeria and ensuring that the democracy works again in our dear country. We seize this opportunity to call on Nigerians to have faith in the Labour Party and to support us for the huge task ahead. We will not fail you. Together, we shall overcome.”