The Labour Party (LP) has refuted claims that it is collaborating with President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in preparation for the 2027 elections.
The denial follows allegations made by Deji Adeyanju, a human rights lawyer, in a viral video that has sparked widespread discussions.
In a statement issued on Friday, Obiora Ifoh, the Labour Party’s National Publicity Secretary, categorically dismissed the claims, emphasizing the party’s role as a leading opposition voice in Nigeria.
“As a matter of fact, the Labour Party is the most visible opposition party as of today, and our National Chairman, Barrister Abure, is the leading voice in the opposition camp and has been most critical of the present government,” the statement read.
Ifoh highlighted the party’s continued efforts to critique government policies, propose solutions, and advocate for electoral reforms following the 2023 general election, where the LP felt it was a victim of systemic failures.
“It is on record that the Labour Party has on several occasions spiritedly debunked the allegations that it has an unholy understanding with the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress, to collaborate ahead of the 2027 general election,” Ifoh stated.
The LP also outlined initiatives under its leadership, such as the creation of an electoral reform committee, aimed at establishing credible, fair, and transparent election processes.
The party described Adeyanju’s remarks as baseless and damaging to its reputation, labeling them as criminal defamation.
“We are challenging Deji Adeyanju and any other person to come up with facts and proofs that either the party leadership or Mr. Abure intends to work for President Bola Tinubu or his party, the APC, in 2027,” the LP stated.
The statement demanded an immediate retraction of the claims and an apology to the party’s leadership and members.
“Adeyanju’s assertion, which is presently trending globally, has caused the Labour Party enormous harm. We are demanding that he refrain from causing the party further harm,” the statement concluded.