LP not part of Ibadan coalition talks, says Reps deputy spokesman

The Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the Media Sub-Committee of the Labour Party National Convention Planning Committee, Philip Agbese, has dismissed reports linking leaders of the party to a recent opposition strategy meeting in Ibadan.

Speaking with journalists at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on Monday, Agbese said the presence of LP figures in Ibadan had nothing to do with any coalition-building efforts ahead of the 2027 general election.

“We were not in Ibadan for any summit. As a party, we are focused on our national convention coming up on April 28, and on strengthening our internal processes ahead of the 2027 general elections,” the lawmaker, who recently defected from the All Progressives Congress, said.

His comments followed media reports that key opposition parties—including the Peoples Democratic Party, African Democratic Congress and the New Nigeria Peoples Party—held consultations in Ibadan on the possibility of presenting a joint presidential candidate to challenge the ruling party in 2027.

Agbese, however, maintained that the Labour Party was not involved in such discussions, stressing that its immediate priority is internal consolidation.

“Our attention is on putting our house in order. The convention is a critical step in that process, and it is part of a broader effort to strengthen the party ahead of 2027,” he said.

He added that the party is working to expand its membership base, deepen internal democracy and reposition itself as a credible platform.

The lawmaker emphasised that internal cohesion and organisational stability remain central to the party’s strategy, noting that a strong institutional foundation is necessary for effective political participation.

“We believe that before you talk about external alignments or engagements, you must first build a solid and united structure within your party. That is what we are doing,” he added.

Agbese further cautioned that while alliances are a feature of democratic politics, they must not come at the expense of discipline and clarity within political parties.

“At this moment, we are not distracted by any summit or coalition talks. Our focus is clear: prepare for our National Convention, strengthen our internal systems, and position the party effectively for the 2027 elections,” he said.

The Ibadan meeting is one of several early consultations among opposition figures amid growing concerns over the fragmented state of Nigeria’s opposition ahead of the 2027 polls.

In the aftermath of the 2023 general election, in which the opposition vote was split across multiple parties, there have been increasing calls for a unified front to improve electoral competitiveness.

Ibadan, long regarded as a neutral political ground in the South-West, has in recent years hosted a number of cross-party engagements, strategy sessions and informal consultations among political actors. The latest gathering, according to sources familiar with the discussions, was exploratory rather than formal, with participants weighing options ranging from electoral alliances to the adoption of a consensus presidential candidate.

These talks are taking place against a backdrop of defections, leadership disputes and legal battles within major opposition parties, developments that analysts say could weaken their chances if left unresolved.

For the Labour Party, which witnessed a surge in national support in the 2023 elections, the leadership appears determined to avoid premature coalition commitments. Agbese’s remarks suggest a deliberate effort to first stabilise the party internally before entering into any broader political arrangements.

While coalition talks among opposition parties are expected to continue in the months ahead, LP’s current stance indicates it will approach such engagements cautiously, with its focus firmly on its upcoming convention and long-term organisational strength.