The Labour Party Nigeria has formally zoned its presidential ticket for the 2027 general elections to Southern Nigeria, setting the stage for a potentially competitive primary among southern aspirants.
The party’s interim national chairperson, Nenadi Usman, disclosed the decision following a high-level meeting between political parties and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja.
According to Usman, the zoning decision is definitive, ruling out any presidential aspirant from Northern Nigeria.
“We will certainly not field any aspirant from Northern Nigeria. We have zoned the position to Southern Nigeria,” she said.
Despite the regional restriction, the party leadership emphasized that the selection process would remain open and democratic.
Usman stressed that the eventual flag bearer would emerge through a transparent primary election, reflecting the will of party members rather than imposition.
“Whoever the people like and vote for during the primaries will emerge as the candidate,” she added.
The development signals a strategic political calculation by the party as it prepares for the 2027 elections, amid shifting alliances and growing competition across Nigeria’s political landscape.
The party also hinted at possible adjustments to its upcoming congress timetable, citing a surge in membership that could affect participation if the current schedule is maintained.
Beyond internal preparations, Usman revealed that the party has petitioned security agencies over recent attacks on its facilities, expressing confidence that those responsible would be brought to justice.
The zoning decision is expected to intensify political realignments, particularly in the southern region, as aspirants position themselves ahead of what is shaping up to be a defining electoral contest.
(NAN)
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