Labour Party Zones 2027 Presidential Ticket to the South

The Labour Party (LP) has officially announced the zoning of its 2027 presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria, a move that prevents aspirants from the North from contesting the position under the party’s banner. Senator Nenadi Usman, Chairperson of the National Caretaker Committee, confirmed this decision in Abuja on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, describing it as a “firm policy shift” intended to provide clarity ahead of the upcoming electoral cycle.

Addressing journalists following a consultative meeting with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Senator Usman stated, “We have one certain decision that we have taken. That is to say that we will certainly not field any aspirant from Northern Nigeria. We have zoned the position to Southern Nigeria. So if any Northerner comes now wanting to contest elections, we certainly will not accept that.”

While the party has restricted the regional origin of its potential candidate, the leadership emphasized that the final selection would remain a democratic process. Usman clarified that the party would not handpick a specific individual, noting, “As for who, I can’t tell you now because then it won’t be democratic anymore. When the aspirants come, whoever the people like and vote for during the primaries… then we put them in the position.”

This announcement follows a significant legal victory for the Usman-led committee. A Federal High Court in Abuja recently affirmed the committee as the valid leadership of the party, a decision bolstered by the dismissal of a separate suit in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. Regarding the Yenagoa case, Usman remarked, “To God be the glory, the case was thrown out. The court discovered that they had no locus standi… the case is now thrown out, so it is over.”  

In light of a recent “surge” in new memberships, the party is also considering an adjustment to its congress timetable, which was originally scheduled to begin on March 26. Senator Usman argued that the original date might disenfranchise new members, suggesting, “I think we should tinker with that date, sit together as a group and come up with a new date.” This flexibility aims to ensure a more inclusive process as the party prepares for its national convention.

Finally, the Labour Party addressed security concerns following a recent breach involving party property. A formal petition has been submitted to the Nigerian Police, with the leadership expressing confidence that the authorities will hold the perpetrators accountable. Usman concluded by stressing that the party is focused on building a cohesive structure to serve as a formidable platform for the 2027 general elections.