Otti Rejects Ibadan Declaration Coalition, Says LP Will Field Presidential Candidate

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has distanced the Labour Party, LP, from the proposed Ibadan Declaration coalition, stating that the party will not join any opposition alliance seeking to present a joint presidential candidate for the 2027 elections.

Otti spoke on Thursday while addressing party stakeholders in Umuahia. He said the LP remains focused on strengthening its internal structures nationwide rather than merging into a broader coalition.

“The Labour Party has its own vision and political direction. We are not part of the Ibadan Declaration or any alliance that compromises our identity,” the governor said.

He emphasized that the LP intends to field its own presidential candidate in 2027 and will not subsume its platform under other opposition arrangements.

The Ibadan Declaration is an emerging coalition of opposition parties and figures aimed at building a united front against the ruling party in the next general elections. Several meetings have been held in Ibadan to harmonize interests ahead of 2027.

Otti noted that while the LP is open to issue-based collaboration, it will maintain its independence and pursue its mandate as a standalone party.

“We are rebuilding the party from the wards to the national level. That is our priority,” he added.

The Labour Party finished third in the 2023 presidential election and currently controls one state, Abia.

Party officials said consultations are ongoing on its 2027 strategy following the governor’s remarks.