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 stated that the Labour Party (LP) did not participate in the opposition meeting reportedly held in Ibadan over the weekend.
He explained that the Labour party is currently concentrating on its upcoming National Convention and its wider preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Speaking briefly with journalists at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Agbese noted that both the leadership and members of the party are focused on internal activities aimed at strengthening party structures ahead of the convention scheduled for Tuesday, April 28, 2026.
“We were not in Ibadan for any summit. Our priority as a party is the National Convention coming up on April 28, alongside efforts to reinforce our internal systems in preparation for the 2027 elections,” he said.
Meanwhile, opposition parties such as the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) reportedly met in Ibadan to discuss the possibility of forming a coalition and presenting a joint presidential candidate in 2027.
Agbese, however, made it clear that the Labour Party is not part of those discussions at this time, emphasizing that the party’s immediate concern is internal consolidation and readiness for future elections.
“Our focus is on putting our house in order. The convention is a vital part of that process and aligns with our broader goal of strengthening the party ahead of 2027,” he added.
The lawmaker stressed that unity and strong organisational structures are central to the party’s strategy, noting that a solid internal foundation is essential for effective political engagement.
He also reaffirmed the party’s commitment to building a credible platform that can meet the expectations of Nigerians, especially as political activities begin to intensify ahead of the next general election.
“We believe that before considering external alliances or collaborations, it is important to first build a united and stable structure within the party. That is our current focus,” Agbese stated.
He further acknowledged that while political alliances are a normal part of democracy, they must be handled carefully and should not undermine internal discipline or clarity of purpose.
“At this point, we are not distracted by coalition talks or summits. Our direction is clear—prepare for the National Convention, strengthen our internal framework, and strategically position the party for the 2027 elections,” he said.
Agbese’s comments come at a time when opposition parties are exploring possible alliances to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next election cycle. However, the Labour Party’s stance indicates a cautious approach, prioritizing internal stability before engaging in broader political alignments.
