LP re-elects Abure as national chairman, reserves 2027 presidential ticket for Obi

From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja

The Labour Party (LP) has re-elected Julius Abure as its national chairman at the party’s national convention held in Nnewi, Anambra state on Wednesday.

Ikechukwu Emetu, deputy governor of Abia state and chairman of the convention, declared Abure as the winner.

The convention also announced that it has reserved the party’s 2027 presidential ticket for Peter Obi and that of the governorship ticket of Abia for governor Alex Oti

The convention was attended by party chairmen from the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), members of states and national assemblies as well as representatives from LGAs.

The re-election of Abure came a week after members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) picketed the LP secretariat in Abuja, demanding the postponement of the party’s national convention.

NLC accused Abure of financial rascality and going against the principles of the Congress which birthed the LP by unilaterally trying to hold a national convention in contravention of the constitution of the party.

The election of a new chairman was part of the convention’s agenda as well as the amendment of the party’s constitution and the dissolution of the National Working Committee (NWC), amongst other issues.

Part of the communique issued after the convention and which was signed by Abure and the party’s national secretary, Umar Farouk Ibrahim, read: The Convention in session based on the antecedents of the Presidential candidate before, during and after the 2023 General Election recommend that the 2027 Presidential ticket of the party be solely reserved for His Excellency, Mr Peter Gregory Obi, the National leader of the party.

“Furthermore, the Convention in session reviewed the ongoing development and performance of its Governor in Abia state, His Excellency, Dr Alex Otti and passed a vote of confidence on him and recommended the 2027 Abia state Gubernatorial ticket of the party be reserved for His Excellency, Dr Alex Otti.

“The Convention approved the audited financial report of the party for the period 2022 to 2023 financial years.

Also, the Convention in session approved the 2024 annual budget presented.

“The party also assures its numerous members across the country of an optimistic and bright future. They equally appreciate all forums, groups and others for their steadfast support in the 2023 General election and onwards.

“Now that elections are over, the Convention in session encourages all groups to collapse their structure at the ward, local, and National levels into the already existing structure of the party.”