JUST IN: Abure-Led Labour Party Announces Its 2027 Presidential Candidate

The Julius Abure-led faction of the Labour Party has unveiled Prince Kennedy Ahanotu, the party’s National Youth Leader, as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.

Ahanotu emerged as the faction’s flag bearer during its presidential, governorship, and House of Representatives primaries held in Abuja on Saturday.

The party’s National Chairman, Julius Abure, was represented at the event by the Deputy National Chairman, Ayo Olorunfemi, who officially announced Ahanotu’s emergence.

In his acceptance speech, Ahanotu said he was honoured by the confidence reposed in him and pledged to work towards strengthening the party and advancing Nigeria’s development.

“With a full sense of responsibility and unwavering commitment to our nation, I proudly accept the nomination of our great party, the Labour Party, as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.

“With this consensus comes an even greater responsibility, and I pledge never to take that trust for granted,” he said.

He promised to collaborate with party leaders, candidates, and stakeholders across the country to rebuild the party and promote internal unity.

“I look forward to working closely with all the candidates, leaders, and stakeholders across the federation to strengthen our party structures, deepen internal democracy, reconcile differences where they exist, and reposition the party.

“I call on all leaders, stakeholders, and members of the Labour Party to embrace unity, reconciliation, and collective responsibility. Our strength lies not in our differences but in our shared commitment to building a stronger party and a better Nigeria.”

Ahanotu also extended an olive branch to Abia State Governor Alex Otti, expressing his desire to reconcile the divisions within the party.

“I believe that Abia State Governor, His Excellency Dr Alex Otti, should be magnanimous in victory. I will reach out to him as the presidential candidate and find a way for us to reconcile the party. I believe in the more, the merrier,” he said.

He argued that the Labour Party should be viewed as a national platform rather than being associated with a single state.

“Currently, he holds the position of governor of Abia State. This is why I believe he should be magnanimous in victory.

“The party is not meant only for Abia. It is a platform with a political structure across the country. Making it look like an Abia project is not enough.

“So, we will reach out to him because I know he is a very sound person. I am sure he will reason with me on the need to work together.”

Ahanotu also appealed to party leaders and members to support efforts aimed at restoring unity and strengthening the party ahead of the 2027 elections.

“I am also using this opportunity to invite critical party stakeholders and members to allow us to continue from where we stopped,” he added.