Labour Party Rules Out Automatic Tickets, Says Peter Obi Must Compete In 2027 Primaries

The Labour Party has declared that no aspirant will receive an automatic ticket for the 2027 general elections, saying even former presidential candidate Peter Obi must participate in competitive primaries if he decides to return to the party. Obiora Ifoh, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, made the statement in an interview with The Punch, amid growing uncertainty over Obi’s political plans and tensions between him and the Julius Abure-led LP leadership. Ifoh emphasized that the party is open to reconciliation with Obi and other aggrieved members but insisted that its democratic processes will not be compromised. “We have answered this question several times. The Labour Party has consistently said that tickets will be determined at the party’s convention. The NEC has made its position clear regarding our presidential candidacy. Every candidate must emerge through a democratically convened convention. There is no automatic ticket for anyone, whether presidential, governorship, or chairmanship aspirants,” he said. He also noted that Obi has largely kept his distance from the party leadership over the past year. “Obi’s position in the Labour Party can only be answered by him. Nobody can speak for him. Whether he is in the ADC or Labour Party, he is the only one who can answer that. Over the last year, he has not really engaged with the current leadership, and we take it as it is. Many others have also not been actively involved,” Ifoh added. Addressing why the recent NEC meeting did not tackle the Obi issue, Ifoh explained that it focused on launching congresses and primaries. “The NEC meeting was dedicated to starting our congresses, which we have conducted successfully. Did you see some of our viral videos and pictures? In Abia State, there was a court injunction, which we respected. Primaries in Ekiti State have been completed, and similar exercises will soon follow in Osun. INEC has been working with us, monitoring the process and providing key codes to upload our candidates. Everything is progressing well, and we are confident of achieving our objectives by 2027,” he said.

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Tinubu’s Adviser Slams Peter Obi Over Alleged Support for U.S. Military Intervention in Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has condemned opposition leader Peter Obi for comments interpreted as supporting potential U.S. military involvement in Nigeria. Onanuga wrote on X, “We shall never forget and forgive Peter Obi for supporting a foreign invasion of Nigeria,” calling the alleged position inappropriate for a political leader. The remarks follow a video in which Obi reportedly said, “If Donald Trump said he will invade Nigeria, I will welcome it with open arms because security is my priority.” Onanuga accused the former Labour Party presidential candidate of disregarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and stressed that the government would not overlook such statements.

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Peter Obi Calls Nnamdi Kanu’s Conviction A Costly Leadership Failure That Deepens Tension

Peter Obi has reacted to the arrest, detention, and eventual conviction of Nnamdi Kanu, describing the entire episode as a costly leadership failure that has deepened national tension instead of easing it. In a statement released through his media aide, Ibrahim Umar, Obi urged Nigerians to reflect on the situation, noting that the country is already weighed down by economic hardship, insecurity, and years of misgovernance. According to the statement, the moment calls for calm thinking, not further escalation. Obi restated his long-standing view that Kanu’s arrest should never have happened, arguing that the current outcome is the result of a government that ignored wiser options. He stressed that the concerns Kanu raised were issues many Nigerians also worry about—issues that required open conversation, fairness, and inclusion. He argued that stable nations resolve grievances by reforming policies, broadening representation, and engaging constructively with affected groups. In this case, he said Nigeria chose force before exhausting dialogue. The statement added, “Coercion becomes necessary only when reason has been exhausted. In this case, reason was not fully explored, if at all”. While acknowledging that some believe the justice system simply followed its procedures, Obi maintained that real leadership sometimes requires going beyond strict legal pathways to prevent deeper national cracks. He pointed to examples around the world where countries rely on political solutions, negotiated peace, or conditional amnesty when legal outcomes threaten national cohesion. He described the government’s approach as similar to a person stuck in a pit who keeps digging instead of looking for a way out, warning that such choices only fuel suspicion and worsen an already fragile atmosphere. Obi appealed for restraint and called on the Presidency, the Council of State, and respected national figures to step in and steer the country toward reconciliation. He urged efforts that promote healing rather than hostility, unity instead of bitterness, and dialogue over confrontation. He expressed confidence that Nigeria can still find peace if it commits to justice, fairness, and compassion.

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Peter Obi Condemns ‘Street Urchins’ Tag On Supporters, Says No Nigerian Is Without Value

Peter Obi Criticises Government Over Unpaid Super Eagles Allowances, Calls Nigeria “Now Disgraced Country”

Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has criticised the Federal Government over reports that the Super Eagles have not received their allowances, describing the situation as a mark of a “now disgraced country.” Obi’s reaction comes after Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi shared a video highlighting the poor condition of the team’s accommodation in Rabat, Morocco, ahead of Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying playoff against Gabon. In a statement on Tuesday via X, Obi said it was “truly unfortunate” that players who consistently give their best in representing the nation are still owed their entitlements, even as the government continues to spend on “needless lavish spending and political patronage.” He stressed that failing to properly care for national athletes sends the wrong message to Nigerian youth and urged authorities to prioritise the welfare of those who represent the country. Obi wrote: “It is truly unfortunate that our Super Eagles, who consistently give their best in representing our dear nation, are being owed their allowances. We always seem to find money to waste on needless lavish spending and political patronage, yet we cannot pay those who patriotically raise our flag, bring us pride, and serve with dedication. That is what is found in a ‘now disgraced country.’ When those who serve their country are not treated with dignity, it sends the wrong message to our youth, that hard work and service are not rewarded. Those who represent Nigeria deserve to be paid promptly and treated with respect. We must do better.”

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APC Emerges Victorious In Peter Obi’s Polling Unit In Stunning Anambra Upset

The All Progressives Congress (APC) delivered a major upset in Anambra State after defeating the Labour Party (LP) at the polling unit of former presidential candidate Peter Obi in Amatutu village, Agulu, Anaocha Local Government Area. At Polling Unit 019, Umudimakasi — where Obi cast his vote — APC recorded 73 votes, while Labour Party trailed with 57. The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) followed with 38 votes, and minor parties including YPP, ZLP, APM, ADC, and AAC each got one vote. The outcome has triggered mixed reactions across social media, as many expressed disbelief that Obi could lose in his home base, a community that has consistently supported him over the years. Interestingly, APC’s governorship running mate, Senator Uche Ekwunife, is also from the same area, a factor political observers say may have influenced the result. The ruling party’s success didn’t stop there. At Polling Unit 015, Amatutu Village Hall, APC secured 117 votes, while APGA and LP managed 29 and 10 votes respectively. At Polling Unit 023, Model Primary Health Care Centre, APC again led with 25 votes, followed by APGA with 8 and LP with 7, while YPP and ADC recorded one vote each. With APC consistently leading across multiple units in Agulu, analysts say the results could mark the party’s growing influence in Anaocha, traditionally a stronghold of APGA and more recently a Labour Party territory. Collation of results is still ongoing across the local government area and the rest of the state.

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Peter Obi Urges Dialogue After US Threatens Military Action Over Christian Killings

Peter Obi has called for diplomatic solutions after the United States designated Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) and hinted at possible military action over attacks on Christians. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the former presidential candidate said: “The recent pronouncement by the US government declaring Nigeria a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ (CPC) and indicating possible military action should give every well-meaning Nigerian serious concern. Nigeria is experiencing an unprecedented level of insecurity with shocking loss of lives and property. According to Amnesty International, over 10,000 people have been killed since May 2023. The unwarranted and unprovoked killing of Nigerians is most condemnable, and all efforts must be made to stop it.” Obi criticized the handling of the security crisis by the APC-led government, saying: “What is most unfortunate is the lack and absence of competence, commitment, prudent use of resources, patriotism, and passion on the part of APC-led leaders to effectively govern Nigeria where peace, truth, and justice reign.” He stressed that Nigeria and the US, as longstanding strategic partners, should focus on constructive engagement rather than conflict: “As democracies, Nigeria and the US have long been strategic partners committed to regional peace and security. Both countries must work together expeditiously to address the prevailing security concerns.” Obi’s remarks come after former US President Donald Trump warned of potential military intervention if the reported killings of Christians continue, highlighting the urgent need for effective governance and dialogue to address Nigeria’s security challenges.

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Peter Obi Dismisses Fears Of Atiku Hijacking ADC Ticket Ahead Of 2027 Election

Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has broken his silence on mounting fears that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar could hijack the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 elections. Speaking in an interview with Sunday PUNCH during his visit to LEA Primary School in Kapwa, Abuja, Obi said he had no fear of Atiku’s political influence, describing him instead as “a dear elder brother and respected leader.” “I have great respect for Atiku. He’s a dear elder brother and a leader. I’m a member of the Labour Party and part of the coalition forming the ADC for 2027. Other parties and individuals will also join because this is about rescuing Nigeria, not fighting one another,” Obi said. His response comes amid reports that several of Atiku’s loyalists from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have been defecting to the ADC coalition — a move that sparked tension among Obi’s supporters and fueled talk of a possible takeover. The unease grew after Atiku, in a BBC Hausa interview, stated that he would not step aside for any aspirant unless defeated at the ADC primaries. The comment reignited speculation about his 2027 presidential ambitions. Former Kaduna Central senator, Shehu Sani, also stirred the debate, warning on X that “it would be difficult for any aspirant to defeat Atiku if he makes it to any party primaries.” Obi, however, maintained that he was not bothered by Atiku’s moves, stressing that the coalition was built on unity and national interest. “I’m contesting, and I’m sure I will be. What matters is competence and capacity. I believe I’m qualified and have the ability to deliver. In four years, I can change Nigeria’s direction for the better,” he declared. He also urged Nigerians to move beyond political power struggles and focus on the real issues affecting citizens. “We’ve talked too much about politics in this country. I’ve visited villages in Anambra and seen poverty everywhere. Instead of debating party primaries and chairmen, we should be talking about what truly benefits the people,” Obi added. Both Obi and Atiku were defeated by President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 presidential election, one of the most fiercely contested polls in Nigeria’s democratic history.

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Wike Mocks Peter Obi, Says He’ll Keep Contesting For President On Social Media

Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has mocked former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, saying he will remain a “social media presidential candidate” rather than one taken seriously in Nigeria. Wike made the remark on Thursday while commissioning newly constructed roads in the Mabushi District of Abuja, responding to Obi’s recent comments about the poor state of public schools in the FCT. Obi had visited LEA Primary School in Kapwa on Wednesday, where he described the condition of the school as a “national disgrace” and a reflection of the government’s neglect of education. He lamented the lack of chairs, toilets, and other basic facilities, blaming the situation on leadership failure. In a sharp response, Wike accused Obi of politicising the issue and using emotional gestures to gain sympathy on social media. He said his administration was already addressing infrastructure challenges in the FCT, insisting that Obi had no moral ground to criticise anyone’s performance. “I hear one of the social media presidential candidates went to a local school and claimed the government has abandoned public education. His name is Mr Peter Obi. It’s not everything you must play politics with,” Wike said. The minister also took aim at Obi’s record as governor of Anambra State, alleging that he ignored key infrastructure projects during his eight-year tenure. “Peter Obi, you were governor for eight years. If you had completed all the necessary work in Anambra, nobody would still be talking about development there today. And why did you fall out with your successor?” Wike questioned. He further compared Obi’s tenure to his own record in Abuja, saying: “We’ve only been in office for two years. You served eight years. Compare what we’ve done in two years in the FCT to what you did in Anambra in eight years. Can you really say you love this country or Ndi Anambra? Certainly not.” Wike concluded with a taunt: “You will continue to contest for President on social media, but never as President of Nigeria. You couldn’t manage your own party, yet you want to manage a country of over 200 million people. It’s not possible for people like you.”  

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