The Labour Party has denied involvement in recent opposition strategy discussions held in Ibadan, stating that its leadership remains focused on internal restructuring ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Philip Agbese, Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the Media Sub-Committee of the party’s National Convention Planning Committee, dismissed reports linking Labour Party leaders to coalition talks.
“We were not in Ibadan for any summit. As a party, we are focused on our national convention coming up on April 28, and on strengthening our internal processes ahead of the 2027 general elections,” he said.
His clarification followed reports that opposition parties such as the Peoples Democratic Party, African Democratic Congress, and New Nigeria Peoples Party met in Ibadan to explore the possibility of presenting a joint presidential candidate.
Agbese, however, maintained that the Labour Party is not part of any such arrangement, stressing that its immediate priority is internal consolidation.
“Our attention is on putting our house in order. The convention is a critical step in that process, and it is part of a broader effort to strengthen the party ahead of 2027,” he added.
He explained that the party is currently working to expand its membership base, deepen internal democracy, and reposition itself as a viable political platform.
According to him, building a strong internal structure must come before any external political alignment.
“We believe that before you talk about external alignments or engagements, you must first build a solid and united structure within your party. That is what we are doing,” he said.
Agbese also cautioned that while alliances are common in democratic systems, they should not undermine party discipline or clarity of purpose.
“At this moment, we are not distracted by any summit or coalition talks. Our focus is clear: prepare for our National Convention, strengthen our internal systems, and position the party effectively for the 2027 elections,” he stated.
The Ibadan meeting is part of a broader wave of consultations among opposition figures seeking to address fragmentation ahead of the next election cycle. Following the 2023 elections, where opposition votes were divided across multiple parties, there have been increasing calls for a unified front.
However, internal challenges, including leadership disputes, defections, and legal battles, continue to shape the dynamics within opposition parties.
For the Labour Party, which gained significant national traction in 2023, the current strategy appears to prioritise organisational stability over early coalition commitments. Agbese’s remarks signal a cautious approach, with the party aiming to solidify its internal foundation before engaging in broader political alliances.
What You Should Know
The Labour Party has denied participating in recent opposition coalition talks in Ibadan, clarifying that its focus is on its upcoming national convention and internal restructuring.
Philip Agbese emphasised that the party is prioritising unity, membership growth, and institutional strength before considering any alliances. While opposition groups are exploring a joint strategy for 2027, LP is taking a cautious approach, aiming to stabilise its structure first.
The move reflects concerns about fragmentation within the opposition and the need for stronger internal cohesion before external political engagements.
