The National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), Julius Abure, has ignited fresh discussions on the South-East’s quest for the Nigerian presidency. Abure declared that the party remains committed to supporting the South-East in achieving its presidential ambition.
He made this statement during a rally organized by LP members from the South-East ahead of the Abuja Area Council election scheduled for next year. According to Abure, the South-East must foster alliances with other regions to realize this ambition.
Peter Obi, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, hails from the South-East. In the last election, Obi finished third behind Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), while President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) emerged victorious.
Labour Party’s Commitment to South-East Presidency
Speaking at the event, Abure said:
“Before the 2023 general election, I used to believe erroneously that South-East people were not united. However, after Peter Obi joined the party and I had the privilege of campaigning across Nigeria, I discovered that the Igbos are among the most united, industrious, hardworking, and fearless people in the country.”
He reaffirmed that the Labour Party courageously zoned its 2023 presidential ticket to the South-East despite significant challenges. However, he emphasized the need for greater political realignment:
“The Igbos need more strategic alliances with other regions. The Labour Party is still willing and ready to support Ndigbo in achieving their ambition of ruling Nigeria in the future.”
Political Stakeholders React
Osita Okechukwu: A Welcome Development
Osita Okechukwu, a founding member of APC and former Director General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), described Abure’s remark as a positive development. He stressed that political parties are at liberty to adopt strategies that help them win elections and expressed support for the zoning convention:
“A political party must devise strategies to win elections. If zoning the presidency to the South-East aligns with LP’s vision, then it is a welcome development. In the APC, we support President Tinubu’s re-election bid, so LP is free to chart its course.”
Okechukwu also criticized PDP for failing to adhere to the zoning arrangement in 2023, arguing that the party’s disregard for the principle may have cost it electoral success.
Obidient Movement: Peter Obi Strengthens Grassroots Connection
Tanko Yunusa, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, highlighted Obi’s ongoing efforts to connect with Nigerians:
“Peter Obi is focused on engaging with the people and advocating for good governance. His priority is to ensure a better Nigeria where equity and justice prevail.”
When asked about the possibility of Obi forming an alliance outside the Labour Party, Yunusa responded:
“Only time will tell. Right now, he is committed to staying close to the people and addressing pressing national issues.”
Ohanaeze Chieftain: All Parties Should Zone Presidency to South-East
Chuks Ibegbu, former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, called on all political parties to ensure that the presidency is zoned to the South-East. He argued that leadership should not be based on ethnic considerations but on political justice:
“Nigeria must move beyond tribal politics. Leadership should not be about Igbo, Yoruba, or Hausa-Fulani divisions. It is time for PDP, APC, and other parties to acknowledge the South-East’s marginalization and ensure fairness in the political landscape.”
Ibegbu also criticized past political decisions, stating that the failure of major parties to zone the presidency to the South-East has led to perceived political injustice. He called for a national political conference to address these issues and foster equitable governance.