The Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the Media Sub-Committee of the Labour Party National Convention Planning Committee, Dr Philip Agbese, has clarified that the Labour Party, LP, was not part of the opposition political gathering reportedly held in Ibadan at the weekend.
He stressed that the party is currently focused on its forthcoming National Convention and broader preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Agbese, who spoke during a brief interaction with journalists at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, said the party’s leadership and members are fully engaged in internal processes aimed at strengthening its structures ahead of the convention scheduled for Tuesday, April 28, 2026.
We weren’t at any summit in Ibadan. Agbese stated, “As a party, we are focused on our National Convention, which is scheduled for April 28, and on strengthening our internal processes ahead of the 2027 general elections.”
The African Democratic Congress (ADC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) met in Ibada to discuss potential coalitions and the possibility of putting forward a single presidential candidate in 2027.
Agbesed, however, distanced the Labour Party from the gathering, claiming that the party prioritizes internal consolidation and getting ready for upcoming elections and is not currently involved in any such discussions.
“The convention is a crucial step in that process, and it is part of a broader effort to strengthen the party ahead of 2027,” he stated. “Our attention is on putting our house in order.”
The lawmaker emphasized that organizational stability and internal cohesion continue to be key components of the Labour Party’s strategy, pointing out that effective political participation requires a solid institutional foundation.
He added that the party is committed to building a credible platform capable of meeting the expectations of Nigerians, particularly as political activities begin to gather5 momentum ahead of the next general election.
“We think it’s important to establish a strong and cohesive structure within your party before discussing external alignments or engagements. “We’re doing that,” Agbese stated.
He further noted that while political alliances are part of democratic practice, they must be approached with careful consideration and not at the expense of internal discipline and clarity of purpose.
We are not currently preoccupied with coalition or summit negotiations. We have a clear goal in mind: strengthen our internal systems, get ready for our National Convention, and successfully position the party for the 2027 elections,” he continued.
Agbese’s comments coincide with early coalition talks and growing political realignments among opposition parties hoping to take on the ruling All Progressives Congress, or APC, in the upcoming election cycle.
However, the lawmaker’s description of the Labour Party’s stance points to a methodical and measured strategy focused on internal consolidation prior to any more extensive political engagement.
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