Factional National Secretary of the Labour Party (LP), Umar Farouk, has cautioned Peter Obi over his continued association with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), warning that such actions could cost him the party’s presidential ticket in 2027.
Farouk, speaking during an interview with Trust TV on Wednesday, stated that the LP’s presidential ticket is not automatically reserved for any individual, including Obi, who was the party’s flag bearer in the 2023 general elections.
He noted that the party is open to allowing Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, Obi’s former running mate, to contest for the presidency if he so desires.
“Datti is qualified to contest for the presidency as much as Peter Obi,” Farouk said. “So, the seat of that candidacy is not reserved for anybody. It is open for a competitive contest.”
He added that anyone interested in contesting on the party’s platform would be required to formally express interest, purchase the nomination form, mobilise support, and participate in the party’s internal electoral process.
Farouk criticised Obi’s engagement with leaders of the coalition-backed ADC, insisting that such alliances are unacceptable.
“If those people didn’t come back to us, they lose that opportunity,” he said. “There’s no way you’ll continue to romance with other political parties and then still come back with one leg in the Labour Party. No. Ab initio, you may be disqualified.”
Farouk’s remarks come days after Baba-Ahmed expressed interest in running for president in 2027, should Obi choose not to contest. Baba-Ahmed, however, maintained that he is not desperate for the position and reaffirmed his support for Obi, stating the former Anambra governor deserves another opportunity to contest on the Labour Party’s platform.
