ABUJA — The Labour Party (LP) has dismissed recent claims that it has formed an alliance with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general election.
In a statement released by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiorah Ifoh, the allegations were described as “false and baseless.”
The party’s response follows a video circulated on social media in which human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju accused the Labour Party of secretly collaborating with the APC.
Adeyanju’s comments were met with swift rejection from LP, which emphasized its status as Nigeria’s leading opposition party. The statement highlighted the leadership of Julius Abure, LP’s National Chairman, as a key figure in challenging the policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“All what he said about the Labour Party is untrue, lies, and unfounded,” Ifoh said in the statement.
He noted that since the 2023 elections, the Labour Party has remained steadfast in its role as an opposition force, criticizing the government’s actions, offering solutions, and striving to bring about systemic change.
The party also took the opportunity to challenge Adeyanju to present concrete evidence backing his allegations.
“We are therefore challenging Deji Adeyanju and any other like persons to come up with facts and proofs that either the party leadership or Mr. Abure has worked, is working, or intends to work for President Ahmed Bola Tinubu or his party, the APC, in 2027,” the statement read.
Labour Party officials condemned the accusations as a calculated attempt to tarnish the party’s image, describing the allegations as “criminal defamation.” The party urged Adeyanju to either substantiate his claims or retract them immediately, with a formal apology to the party’s leadership and its supporters.
“We are therefore calling on Mr. Adeyanju, who ought to know the grave consequences of a defamatory act, to without delay provide facts and evidence to prove that Labour Party has been ‘bought’ over by President Tinubu,” Ifoh added.
The statement warned that failure to do so would amount to intentional damage to the party’s reputation, which it has worked to solidify as a credible alternative to the ruling party.
The Labour Party remains resolute in its opposition stance, asserting that it will continue to serve as a voice for the people and hold the government accountable as the 2027 elections draw closer.
