The Labour Party (LP) has officially thrown open its presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 election.
GoldenNewsNg reports that the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiorah Ifoh, confirmed this while reacting to former presidential candidate Peter Obi’s recent declaration that he would serve only one term if elected in 2027.
In an interview with Punch, Ifoh said the party wished Obi well in his one-term ambition but stressed that anyone who emerges on the LP platform must be ready to implement the party’s programmes once in government.
He said, “The Labour Party has a programme to execute when it takes power. Whoever becomes the party’s presidential candidate in 2027 will run with those programmes and policies.
“I think it is too early to start talking about 2031 when we are still trying to sort out 2027. The LP has thrown its presidential ticket open. We don’t even know who will emerge as the candidate because many people have already shown interest.
“As our former presidential candidate, we wish Obi well in his career, including his ambition to govern for one term. The politician in him has seen that it is the right thing to do, and if that is what he wants, we are fine with it.”
Meanwhile, the spokesperson for Senator Usman’s faction, Ken Asogwa, expressed confidence in Obi’s ability to transform the country within four years if elected.
Asogwa said he believed Obi would keep his one-term promise despite concerns from some Nigerians.
According to him, Obi demonstrated strict adherence to the constitution and rule of law during his time as Governor of Anambra State.
He said, “Mr Peter Obi’s one-term promise is anchored on character and track record. He has consistently argued that if it took the current administration just two years to push Nigeria into its current sorry state, then four years would be more than enough to begin the process of putting the country back on a progressive path.
“We understand that some Nigerians fear the allure of office could make him renege on this pledge, especially since such promises are not legally binding.
“However, when leaders make commitments, the public must look to history and examine past conduct. That is where real assurance lies not in mere words but in character and precedent.
“As governor of Anambra State, Obi kept faith with the people, governing strictly by the constitution and rule of law so much so that he was impeached for insisting on transparency, accountability, and due process. He challenged the impeachment in court, won, and was reinstated the first time such happened in Nigerian politics.
“That singular act reflects the kind of leadership he embodies: one built on principle, not convenience.
“As a political party, we do not doubt his integrity. We are confident that if entrusted with the presidency, Mr Obi would honour his word and serve only one term, as he has repeatedly promised. History is replete with principled leaders who chose to serve just one term even when a second was available.”
