The interim national chairman of the Labour Party, Senator Nenadi Usman, has stated that the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, may not be able to contest the 2027 general election under the party’s platform.

She commented during an interview on Arise TV on Wednesday, explaining that the Labour Party will strictly follow its membership rules and electoral guidelines ahead of the next elections.

According to her, the party’s membership register will be closed 21 days before its primaries and submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). She said that once the register is closed, no new or returning member can be added for that election cycle.

In her words, this means it would be “legally impossible” for anyone who is not already properly registered within the timeline to participate in the party’s primaries.

Senator Usman also acknowledged Peter Obi’s role in the party’s strong performance during the 2023 elections, noting that his entry into Labour Party at the time attracted many members, including herself.

She explained that her own defection from the Peoples Democratic Party to Labour Party was influenced by Obi’s push for political equity and fairness, especially regarding zoning of presidential tickets.

The Labour Party has, however, been facing internal leadership disputes since after the 2023 general elections. The crisis has involved competing factions claiming control of the party structure.

Recent court rulings have favoured the faction led by Senator Nenadi Usman, with both the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal affirming leadership changes that have affected the party’s national structure.

Despite these developments, the party has continued its internal reorganisation, including membership revalidation and zoning of its 2027 presidential ticket to the southern region.

The latest comments add a new layer of uncertainty around Labour Party’s internal dynamics as preparations for the 2027 elections gradually take shape.