National Vice Chairman of the Labour Party, Ceekay Igara, has dismissed reports suggesting that the party has adopted President Bola Tinubu as its sole candidate for the 2027 general elections, insisting that no individual has the authority to make such a declaration.
Speaking during an interview on ARISE News on Monday, Igara said only the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) can take decisions on candidate adoption or endorsements.
“It is not for any individual to say the party has adopted or not adopted anybody. That responsibility lies with the National Executive Council,” he said.
He stressed that the party currently has no officially recognised candidates or aspirants due to ongoing leadership disputes, which are still before the Court of Appeal.
“As it is today, we don’t have any candidate. We don’t have aspirants because of the tussle going on in the party,” Igara noted.
He explained that once the legal and internal leadership issues are resolved, the NEC will formally determine and communicate the party’s position on candidates ahead of 2027.
Igara also dismissed statements credited to unauthorised party figures, saying only recognised officials such as the National Publicity Secretary or authorised NEC members can speak for the party.
“We cannot take a decision when the NEC has not spoken. Anything outside that is personal opinion, not the party’s position,” he said.
He added that the party is awaiting the outcome of its case at the Court of Appeal, which he said will clarify its leadership structure.
Igara further noted that while the Labour Party enjoyed significant youth support in 2023, it is now focused on rebuilding its internal structures ahead of future elections.
By Ojo Triumph
