By Ghazali Ibrahim
The Labour Party has officially zoned its presidential ticket for the 2027 general elections to the southern region of the country, setting the stage for early political alignments within the party.
The decision was confirmed in Abuja by the party’s acting national chairperson, Nenadi Usman, who said the zoning arrangement has been finalised and will guide the party’s selection of its next presidential candidate.
According to her, the party will not entertain aspirants from the northern region, stressing that only candidates from the South will be eligible to contest for the ticket.
The move, she explained, is part of efforts to ensure balance and internal cohesion ahead of the 2027 elections.
Reports confirmed that the decision was reached by the party leadership in Abuja and has been communicated to stakeholders within the party. The chairperson reiterated that Northern aspirants will be barred from contesting under the platform of the party.
The zoning announcement comes amid ongoing political realignments across major parties as preparations gradually begin for the next election cycle.
Analysts say the development could influence the emergence of key contenders within the party, as well as shape alliances ahead of the polls.
The Labour Party rose to national prominence during the 2023 elections with Peter Obi as its flagbearer and is expected to play a significant role in the 2027 race.
Political observers note that early clarity on zoning may help the party avoid internal disputes and present a unified front going into the contest.
