Labour Party Not Part of Coalition, Abure’s Tenure Has Expired – Interim Secretary Nwokocha

The Interim National Secretary of the Labour Party (LP), Darlington Nwokocha, has stated that the party is not part of any coalition allegedly involving opposition figures such as Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, and Nasir El-Rufai under the banner of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Speaking during a television interview on Friday, Nwokocha distanced the LP from the reported alliance aimed at challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“I don’t know about any coalition, and as far as I’m aware, the Labour Party hasn’t joined one,” he said. “Our party has its internal structure and is growing stronger by the day.”

On the involvement of Peter Obi in the coalition, Nwokocha clarified that while the former Anambra State governor remains highly respected within the party for his role as the 2023 presidential flagbearer, his personal interactions with other political actors do not equate to the Labour Party’s participation in any alliance.

“Peter Obi is an individual. We respect him, but his engagements don’t mean the Labour Party has joined the ADC or any other group,” he said. “Cross-pollination of ideas is allowed, but that doesn’t constitute a formal coalition.”

Addressing the party’s internal leadership crisis, Nwokocha asserted that Julius Abure’s tenure as National Chairman has expired, paving the way for an interim leadership structure.

“Abure was our National Chairman, but once your tenure expires, that’s it,” he stated. “And if political accidents occur and become fatal, the party must move forward. That’s why we have the Interim National Working Committee in place.”

When questioned about the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) still listing Abure as chairman on its portal, Nwokocha dismissed the relevance of the listing, saying, “Putting your picture somewhere doesn’t make you the owner of the place.”

Nwokocha reiterated that the Labour Party remains focused on strengthening its internal mechanisms and preparing independently for the next electoral cycle.