Ahead of the 2027 presidential race, the Nenadi Usman-led Labour Party (LP) is moving to unveil its candidate, with growing attention on southern politicians tipped to succeed Peter Obi as the party’s main standard-bearer.
Following the decision on March 24 to zone the presidential ticket to the South, conversations within political circles have become more active about who might eventually secure the party’s nomination.
While party officials maintain that an internal decision has already been reached, public interest in the outcome remains high.
Nenadi has also reiterated that the party does not intend to actively seek or recruit aspirants from outside its existing structure, a stance that has further limited speculation about possible entrants.
Zoning And Election Timetable
The party has scheduled its presidential primary for May 23 as part of preparations for the 2027 general elections.
According to party communications, the decision followed a national executive council meeting held in Abuja with officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) present as observers.
The party also aligned its roadmap with INEC’s election calendar, which places the general elections on January 16, 2027.
Officials of the party say the timeline reflects confidence that credible aspirants will emerge before the primaries.
The 2023 Case Study
A similar uncertainty surrounded the party ahead of the 2023 election when it struggled with internal fragmentation and limited national reach.
At that time, individuals such as Pat Utomi and Olufolahan Emmanuel-Tella showed interest in the ticket but lacked strong political backing.
The situation changed when Peter Obi joined the party shortly before the primaries in 2022.
His entry significantly reshaped the party’s visibility and triggered a wave of public support that became known as the “Obidient” movement.
Back At The Same Crossroads
After the 2023 election cycle, Obi exited the Labour Party in December 2025, leaving the organisation in search of a new national figure.
So far, the only declared aspirant is Datti Baba-Ahmed, who was Obi’s running mate during the 2023 presidential election.
Baba-Ahmed announced his ambition shortly after Obi moved to the African Democratic Congress African Democratic Congress.
He stated that his ambition was not dependent on any other politician’s trajectory and insisted he had long held presidential aspirations.
Court Ruling And Leadership Shift
A federal high court in Abuja recently recognised the Nenadi-led caretaker committee as the legitimate leadership of the Labour Party.
The court also directed the INEC to recognise the Usman faction, effectively ending the prolonged leadership dispute.
The judgment confirmed that the tenure of the Julius Abure-led executive had expired.
INEC subsequently updated its records and began engaging the Usman-led leadership in official consultations.
The Abure faction rejected the ruling and announced plans to challenge it at the appellate level.
Search For A New Flagbearer
With the leadership dispute resolved in favour of the Usman camp, attention has now shifted to who will emerge as the party’s presidential candidate.
The party spokesperson Ken Asogwa said the Labour Party has already received interest from several politically exposed individuals.
He noted that former governors from southern Nigeria and a former presidential candidate of a major party had shown quiet interest in the ticket.
He, however, declined to disclose names, stating that public identification at this stage would be premature.
Asogwa added that the individuals under consideration have already registered as members of the party.
He also ruled out speculation about Obi’s return, stating that the former candidate has moved on politically.
