The leadership of the Labour Party (LP) has refuted claims that it celebrated or endorsed former presidential candidate Peter Obi’s declaration to run in the 2027 elections under its platform, describing the development as misleading and the politician’s actions as “confusing.”

In a statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiorah Ifoh, on Monday, LP Chairman Julius Abure dismissed reports circulating on social media and within party circles that Obi’s declaration was welcomed or sanctioned by the party.

“The impression that the party endorsed or celebrated Obi’s declaration is erroneous, inaccurate, and does not reflect the position or mood of the party,” Abure said.

Although Obi had affirmed his intention to remain with the Labour Party during a meeting with young supporters shared via the party’s WhatsApp group the LP leadership expressed doubts over his political consistency.

“Peter Obi, hours after speaking of his intention to run under Labour Party, was on Sunday seen in a meeting of a pro-coalition group in Abuja without the consent of the party leadership. This to us is really confusing,” Ifoh noted.

The statement clarified that the Labour Party does not grant automatic tickets to any candidate, citing the reversal of a 2024 convention resolution that had previously offered automatic nominations to Obi and the party’s sole governor.

“The Labour Party has a long-standing rule on how its candidates shall emerge, and automatic ticket is not one of them,” the statement added.

The LP also reiterated its disapproval of any coalition or merger efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections, calling Obi’s participation in such activities “distasteful and unacceptable.”

“The presidency for 2027 is open to anyone who wants to run under the platform of the party,” the party concluded.