The Labour Party (LP) has dismissed claims that it has endorsed former presidential candidate Peter Obi for the 2027 election, stating that no aspirant will be granted an automatic ticket.

This clarification comes after Obi, who ran under the party’s platform in the 2023 general election, hinted at a possible return during a recent event in Abuja. While expressing continued interest in the party, he noted that he would consider running on its platform “for now.”

Following media reports suggesting that the party had begun celebrating Obi’s potential return, LP’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiorah Ifoh, issued a statement on Monday denying the claim and emphasizing the party’s commitment to due process.

“Our attention has been drawn to misleading reports that the Labour Party is celebrating Peter Obi’s declaration to contest the 2027 presidential election under our banner,” Ifoh said. “I was quoted out of context. The report does not reflect the actual position or mood within the party.”

Ifoh made it clear that while the party is open to Obi or any other aspirant seeking its presidential ticket, the selection process will be strictly based on internal democratic principles.

“The Labour Party has long-established procedures for selecting its candidates, and an automatic ticket is not part of those processes,” he stated.

He also referenced a decision made during the party’s 2024 national convention, where automatic tickets were mistakenly awarded to Obi and the party’s only serving governor. According to Ifoh, that decision has since been reversed after a thorough review of the party’s constitution.

The statement reinforces the Labour Party’s stance on transparency and fairness, setting the tone for an open and competitive selection process ahead of the 2027 general election.