Factional National Secretary of the Labour Party (LP), Umar Farouk, has cautioned that Peter Obi may forfeit his chance of becoming the party’s presidential candidate in the 2027 general election if he continues associating with the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Speaking during an interview with Trust TV on Wednesday, Farouk stressed that the Labour Party’s presidential ticket is open for competition and not automatically reserved for any individual, including Obi, the party’s 2023 flagbearer.
He disclosed that Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, Obi’s running mate in the last election, is fully qualified to contest for the party’s presidential ticket, should he choose to do so.
“Datti is qualified to contest for the presidency as much as Peter Obi. So, the seat of that candidacy is not reserved for anybody. It is open for a competitive contest,” Farouk stated.
He warned that Obi’s continued affiliation with the ADC and other coalition activities could jeopardize his standing in the Labour Party.
“If those people didn’t come back to us, they lose that opportunity because there’s no way you’ll continue to romance with other political parties and then come back with one leg in the Labour Party. No. Ab initio, you may be disqualified,” Farouk added.
His comments follow closely after Baba-Ahmed hinted at a potential presidential bid in 2027, if Obi declines to run. However, Baba-Ahmed emphasized that he is not desperate for power and still supports Obi’s leadership aspirations within the Labour Party.
