Factional National Secretary of the Labour Party, Umar Farouk, has warned that Peter Obi could lose the chance to emerge as the party’s presidential candidate in 2027 if he continues associating with the African Democratic Congress, ADC.
Speaking in an interview with Trust TV, Farouk emphasized that the LP’s presidential ticket is open and not reserved for any individual, stating clearly that Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, the party’s 2023 vice presidential candidate, will be given the opportunity to contest.
“Datti is qualified to contest for the presidency as good as Peter Obi. So, the seat of that candidacy is not reserved for anybody. It is open for a competitive contest.”
Farouk expressed disapproval over Obi’s close ties with leaders of the ADC, a coalition-backed party, warning that such affiliations could lead to disqualification from the party’s primary.
“If Datti is willing to aspire for presidency and he wants to do that under the Labour Party, we will open it. Come and buy the form, mobilise his support and then get elected.”
“But the only thing is that if those people didn’t come back to us, they lose that opportunity because there’s no way you’ll continue to romance with other political parties and then you still come back and your one leg is in the Labour Party. No, ab initio, you may be disqualified,” he added.
Farouk’s remarks come shortly after Baba-Ahmed hinted at his interest in the 2027 presidential race, stating that he would contest only if Obi opts out.
While declaring his readiness, Baba-Ahmed reiterated his loyalty to Obi, saying the former Anambra governor deserves another chance to run under the LP.
