• PDP BoT chairman stirs controversy over praise for LP gov, Otti
The Labour Party (LP) has denied zoning its 2027 presidential ticket to any region, countering earlier remarks by its National Chairman, Julius Abure, suggesting the South-East might retain the party’s backing.
Abure had recently reaffirmed the party’s commitment to supporting the South-East’s political aspirations, recalling LP’s deliberate support for the region in 2023 as part of its strategy to “wipe their tears.”
Speaking at a South-East LP rally in Abuja, Abure said, “I have no regrets that, in spite of all odds, we zoned the presidential ticket of our party to the South-East. We decided that we were going to clean the tears of the Igbo, and we powerfully and courageously did that in the 2023 general election.”
He further urged the Igbo to forge stronger alliances with other regions to boost their chances in 2027, drawing comparisons to the Yoruba political bloc’s successes through strategic realignments.
However, in a recent statement, the party clarified that no zoning arrangement had been made for 2027. National Publicity Secretary Obiora Ifoh stressed that LP’s presidential candidate would emerge through a transparent and democratic process in line with the party’s constitution.
“The Labour Party has not and will not zone any of its positions to any geographical zone or individual,” the statement read, emphasising that while the South-East played a vital role in the 2023 elections, this did not guarantee automatic consideration for 2027.
The clarification has sparked speculation that the LP is recalibrating its strategy to avoid alienating regions such as the North and South-West, where it hopes to expand its political influence ahead of the next election.
Analysts view the party’s shift as a tactical move to maintain national appeal amid evolving political realignments. The decision has left questions about whether Igbo political leaders will continue to see LP as a viable platform for presidential aspirations.
Former LP National Treasurer Oluchi Oparah had criticised Abure’s earlier remarks suggesting an ethnic approach to securing the presidency. Oparah argued that such positions must be achieved through merit and competence rather than tribal sentiment.
MEANWHILE, the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BoT), Adolphus Wabara, has sparked tension within the party following his public commendation of Abia State Governor Alex Otti of the Labour Party (LP), despite ongoing intra-party disputes.
Wabara, a former Senate President, has been accused of anti-party activities by the PDP’s Abia State Working Committee (SWC), which recently suspended him after alleging he openly endorsed a second term for Governor Otti. However, the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) swiftly nullified the suspension, leading to a standoff between the state and national party leadership.
Speaking yesterday at an 80th birthday celebration in Umuahia for PDP elder Dr Emelike Okoro, Wabara reiterated his support for Otti, highlighting the governor’s efforts to improve governance in Abia State.
“Politics ends after campaigns and elections; governance should take centre stage. Even a blind man can see what is happening in Abia!” Wabara said. “I will continue to appreciate Governor Otti for the good works he is doing. Let them suspend me, expel me—I am first a citizen of Abia before being a PDP member.”
Wabara criticised the party’s leadership for targeting him, suggesting they might extend their actions to others, including Okoro, who was honoured at the event.
He maintained that his remarks were not an endorsement of the Labour Party but a recognition of Otti’s leadership. “I have not mentioned the Labour Party; I have always mentioned Governor Alex Otti. We are all with you,” he declared.
Wabara also acknowledged that Otti, whom many in the PDP did not initially support, is now steering Abia State away from what he described as the “ruins of bad governance.” The celebrant, Okoro, also praised Otti, describing his leadership as a “breath of fresh air” for Abia State.
