The Labour Party (LP) has dismissed speculations of a possible merger with Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP). Both the National Secretary of Labour Party, Umar Farouk, and Tai Obasi, media aide to LP’s flag bearer, Peter Obi, denied such plans in separate interviews with The PUNCH.
The rumour of a potential merger between these political figures arose amidst reports of preliminary discussions aiming to establish a strong platform to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
In response to these rumours, Farouk stated unequivocally that no such plans are in progress. He affirmed that while the LP respects Peter Obi’s right to have private associations, the party itself has no intention of merging with any other political platform. However, he did not entirely rule out the prospect of an alliance.
Echoing this, Obasi emphasised the party’s focus on awaiting the final judgement of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal. He acknowledged respect for Atiku and Kwankwaso, but stressed that there are currently no plans for a merger.
The APC, however, remains confident in President Bola Tinubu’s ability to triumph over any potential alliance, with the Director of Publicity for the ruling party, Bala Ibrahim, expressing little concern over the speculated merger.
Attempts to contact the National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Felix Morka, and the NNPP’s Major Agbo were unsuccessful at the time of this report.
SOURCE: Punch
IMAGE: People’s Gazette
