The Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the Media Sub-Committee of the Labour Party National Convention Planning Committee, Dr Philip Agbese, has clarified that the Labour Party, LP, was not part of the opposition political gathering reportedly held in Ibadan at the weekend.
He stressed that the party is currently focused on its forthcoming National Convention and broader preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Agbese, who spoke during a brief interaction with journalists at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, said the party’s leadership and members are fully engaged in internal processes aimed at strengthening its structures ahead of the convention scheduled for Tuesday, April 28, 2026.
“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,” Agbese said.
Opposition political parties, including the African Democratic Congress, ADC, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP, had met in Ibadan to deliberate on a possible coalition and the prospect of presenting a single presidential candidate in 2027.
However, Agbese distanced the Labour Party from the meeting, stating that the party is not involved in any such discussions at this stage, as it prioritises internal consolidation and preparation for future electoral contests.
“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 said.
The lawmaker emphasised that internal cohesion and organisational stability remain central to the Labour Party’s strategy, noting that a strong institutional foundation is necessary for effective political participation.
He added that the party is committed to building a credible platform capable of meeting the expectations of Nigerians, particularly as political activities begin to gather5 momentum ahead of the next general election.
“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,” Agbese said.
He further noted that while political alliances are part of democratic practice, they must be approached with careful consideration and not at the expense of internal discipline and 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 added.
Agbese’s remarks come amid increasing political realignments and early coalition discussions among opposition parties seeking to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, in the next election cycle.
However, the Labour Party’s position, as outlined by the lawmaker, suggests a deliberate and measured approach centred on internal consolidation before any broader political engagements.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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