Labour Party Denies Merger Talks with PDP, Focuses on Strengthening Base for 2027

Yunusa Tanko, spokesperson for Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s (LP) 2023 presidential candidate, has dismissed claims of merger discussions between the LP and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

This comes after Ibrahim Abdullahi, PDP’s Deputy National spokesman, suggested on a live program that Nigeria’s leading opposition figures were considering a merger to address the country’s challenges before the 2027 presidential election. The claim was later supported by Atiku Abubakar’s media adviser, Paul Ibe, who reiterated Atiku’s consistent push for an opposition alliance.

Despite these claims, Yunusa Tanko made it clear that Peter Obi is focused on expanding his political base rather than merging. He acknowledged the rising political stakes ahead of 2027, but stressed that the LP’s priority is strengthening its nationwide structure.

“We are flattered by the talk of a merger, but Peter Obi is committed to consolidating our structure across the country,” Yunusa stated, adding that lessons from the last election would guide their efforts.

He emphasized the growth of the Obidient Movement, which cuts across political parties, saying, “Our movement is about good governance, and that’s our sole agenda.”