The Labour Party has officially zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria, effectively excluding aspirants from the North. This major decision was announced by Nenadi Usman, Chairman of the party’s National Caretaker Committee, after a consultative meeting with the Independent National Electoral Commission in Abuja.
According to Usman, the zoning arrangement is a deliberate policy aimed at providing clarity and direction for aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections. She firmly stated that the party will not accept any presidential aspirant from Northern Nigeria, reinforcing the commitment to a Southern candidacy.
Despite this regional restriction, the party leadership insists it will uphold internal democracy. Usman explained that no individual will be handpicked for the ticket. Instead, all qualified Southern aspirants will compete in a transparent primary process, with the eventual candidate emerging through votes by party members.
The announcement follows a legal victory for the party leadership, as a High Court in Yenagoa dismissed a suit challenging the legitimacy of the National Caretaker Committee. The court ruled that the plaintiffs lacked the legal standing to pursue the case, effectively ending the dispute.
In addition, the party is reconsidering its scheduled congresses, originally set to begin on March 26. Usman indicated that the timeline may be adjusted due to a surge in new members joining the party. She warned that maintaining the original schedule could disenfranchise many prospective members who are still in the process of registration.
The chairman also addressed a recent security breach involving party property, confirming that a formal complaint has been filed with the Nigerian Police. She expressed confidence that authorities will investigate the matter thoroughly and hold those responsible accountable.
This development marks a significant step in the Labour Party’s preparations for the 2027 elections, as it seeks to strengthen internal structures and position itself strategically on the national stage.
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