KEY POINTS

• Labour Party denies partnering with President Tinubu or APC.
• The party emphasizes its commitment to electoral reforms and democracy.
• Accusers are urged to provide evidence or issue an apology.

The Labour Party (LP) has strongly refuted claims circulating on social media suggesting it is partnering with President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in preparation for the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued on Friday, Obiora Ifoh, the National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, dismissed the allegations as baseless and accused those spreading the rumors of attempting to tarnish the party’s reputation.

No collaboration with APC

“The Labour Party is the most visible opposition party today, and our National Chairman, Barrister Julius Abure, is a leading voice in challenging the policies of the current government,” Ifoh said.

He emphasized that the party has consistently critiqued the APC-led administration since the 2023 elections, addressing systemic failures, proposing solutions, and advocating for reforms. He added that claims of a partnership with President Tinubu or his party are “unfounded and damaging.”

Labour party’s opposition role

Ifoh highlighted the party’s ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic process, including establishing an Electoral Reform Committee to promote credible and transparent elections.

“The Labour Party was a major victim of irregularities in the 2023 general elections. Under Mr. Abure’s leadership, we are committed to ensuring reforms that will restore fairness and credibility to the electoral process,” he stated.

Additionally, the Labour Party has launched a Political Education Committee to reorient citizens on the importance of positive engagement in politics. It has also introduced an e-membership registration platform, which has already attracted thousands of subscribers, making it the first party in Nigeria to adopt such a system.

Demand for evidence or retraction

According to a report by the Sun, Ifoh specifically criticized political activist Deji Adeyanju, who recently alleged that the Labour Party was aligning with the APC.

“This baseless claim has caused enormous harm to our party,” Ifoh said. “We challenge Mr. Adeyanju and others spreading these falsehoods to provide evidence of any collaboration with President Tinubu or the APC. Alternatively, they should retract their statements and offer a public apology to the party’s leadership and its millions of members.”

He described Adeyanju’s comments as “criminal defamation” and accused him of intentionally seeking to damage the Labour Party’s reputation.

Focus on the 2027 elections

As the Labour Party looks toward the 2027 elections, Ifoh reiterated the party’s commitment to its role as a strong opposition force. He called on members and supporters to disregard the rumors and focus on the party’s programs aimed at strengthening participatory democracy and advocating for the interests of Nigerians.

The statement reaffirms the Labour Party’s dedication to holding the government accountable and ensuring that the upcoming elections reflect the will of the people.