Peter Obi legally barred from contesting 2027 election on Labour Party platform, says interim chairman
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Senator Nenadi Usman, the Labour Party’s interim national chairman, stated that Peter Obi, the party's 2023 presidential candidate, would be legally unable to contest the 2027 election on the Labour Party platform. Usman explained in an interview with Arise TV that the Electoral Act mandates the party's register to close 21 days before primaries, after which it is submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission, making late registration impossible. Usman acknowledged Obi's significant role in the party's 2023 success, noting that he had persuaded her and many others to join the Labour Party from the Peoples Democratic Party due to a belief in equity and fair play, particularly after the PDP failed to zone its presidential ticket to the south. The Labour Party has been experiencing a leadership crisis, with Usman's caretaker committee and the faction of former national chairman Julius Abure both claiming legitimacy. The Supreme Court ruled in April 2025 that Abure's tenure had expired, and a Federal High Court in Abuja subsequently ordered INEC to recognize Usman's committee. The Court of Appeal in Abuja recently affirmed Usman as interim chairman, though Abure plans to appeal to the Supreme Court. This internal conflict has led to defections, a reduced National Assembly presence, and a weakened grassroots structure for the party. Obi cited this turmoil as a reason for his departure. Usman's faction has since initiated membership revalidation and zoned the party's 2
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