The Labour Party has denied reports that it has zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the South-East, stating that no such decision has been made.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, refuted the claims in a statement, clarifying that the party has not allocated any of its positions to a specific geopolitical zone or individual.
Ifoh addressed a statement attributed to the Labour Party’s National Chairman, Julius Abure, explaining that he was misquoted.
He emphasized that Abure’s remarks, made on Sunday in a statement titled “2027: Labour Party Still Available for Ndigbo to Realise Presidency”, were not an indication that the party had zoned its ticket to the South-East.
According to Ifoh, the chairman was merely encouraging some South-East members at a gathering, stating that the Igbo could still achieve the presidency if they were more united and actively engaged with other regions.
He added that Abure only highlighted the Labour Party as a viable platform for Igbo political aspirations.
“Labour Party is a national party with a large following across the country. The issue of zoning does not arise,” Ifoh stated.
He further noted that in the 2023 general elections, the party won seats in both the North and South and is working to expand its influence in future elections.
He reaffirmed that all candidates must emerge through competitive and democratic processes, as zoning is not part of the party’s constitution.
“We regret the misinterpretation of the party’s noble intention by a section of the media. Our party was quoted out of context,” Ifoh added.