The Julius Abure-led faction of the Labour Party (LP) has declared that all tickets for the 2027 general election are now open to all qualified Nigerians. This announcement was made following a national executive committee (NEC) meeting held in Abuja on Monday, September 9th, 2024.
The faction emphasized that the party’s presidential and governorship tickets are not reserved for any individuals, including Peter Obi and Alex Otti.
The decision comes after a contentious period within the party, marked by a stakeholders' meeting in Umuahia, Abia State, where some Labour Party leaders, including Obi and Otti, formed a 29-man caretaker committee to lead the party temporarily.
However, this move was nullified by the NEC, which cited Article 14 (4) (B) of the party’s constitution, stating that only the National Secretary with the approval of the National Chairman has the authority to call such meetings.
Julius Abure, the embattled national chairman, clarified, “NEC in session also reviewed the decision of the National Convention to reserve its presidential and governorship tickets for Peter Gregory Obi and Alex Otti respectively. Consequently, all tickets of the party from presidency to the House of Assemblies are open to all qualified Nigerians.”
The NEC further noted that the Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, did not have the constitutional power to convene the meeting, as it contravened Section 82 (1) (2) (a) of the Electoral Act 2022, which mandates a 21-day notice to the Commission for any convention or meeting aimed at electing members of its executive committees or nominating candidates for elective offices.
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