The Labour Party (LP) clarified on Thursday that it has no intentions of merging with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the purpose of challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.
This statement comes in response to the suggestion made by PDP’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, earlier in the week, advocating for opposition parties to unite to overthrow the APC in the next presidential poll.
LP’s spokesperson, Obiora Ifoh, addressed Atiku’s proposal, stating that the party has not engaged in any discussions regarding a merger. Ifoh emphasized that Atiku’s call was merely a proposal and underscored the importance of fostering democracy in Nigeria, expressing concerns about the current state of governance.
Ifoh clarified, “There was nowhere in the response that the purported merger between LP and PDP was mentioned.” The statement emphasizes the party’s commitment to democratic principles while maintaining its independence.
In a parallel development, the APC rejected Atiku’s merger plan, characterizing it as a result of his continued struggle to come to terms with the reality of his loss in the presidential poll. Felix Morka, the National Publicity Secretary of the APC, issued a statement asserting that the PDP should prioritize resolving its internal party crisis instead of entertaining thoughts of a merger.
This exchange between the political parties highlights the ongoing dynamics and strategic considerations within the Nigerian political landscape as the nation looks ahead to future elections.