By CHARLES CHIJIOKE
The race for the Labour Party’s 2027 election tickets gathered momentum on Tuesday as prominent politicians and aspirants from across Nigeria stormed the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja to obtain nomination forms for various elective positions.
Among those who picked up forms were former Information Minister Labaran Maku for the Nasarawa North Senatorial District, former Adamawa North senator Ishaku Abbo for the Adamawa State governorship seat, Emmanuel Ben for the Akwa Ibom governorship race, Adamu Bako Blanzou for the Akwanga North/Eggon/Wamba Federal Constituency seat, Hon. Jesse James Ayenajeh for the Toto Federal Constituency seat in Nasarawa State, and Hon. Chidiebere Darlington Anyanwu for the Ahiazu/Ezinihitte Federal Constituency seat in Imo State.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on May 13, 2026 by Labour Party National Publicity Secretary, Ken Eluma Asogwa, who said the increasing number of aspirants reflected the growing confidence Nigerians have in the party ahead of the next general elections.
The development signals rising political activity within the Labour Party as the opposition platform moves to consolidate its expanding influence following its strong performance in several states during the last electoral cycle.
Speaking shortly after obtaining his nomination form, Maku praised what he described as the transparent conduct of the exercise and expressed confidence in the party’s electoral chances nationwide.
According to him, “The Labour Party has won the confidence and support of Nigerians, and I am convinced that the party will emerge victorious in the next general elections, from the presidency to the governorship elections where the party has firmly established itself as a household name in many states, particularly in Nasarawa State and across my Senatorial District where the people remain determined to ensure the victory of the party in the forthcoming senatorial and other elections in the state.”
Similarly, Abbo commended the increasing momentum within the party and applauded the leadership of Nenadi Usman for what he described as efforts to reposition and revitalise the party ahead of the elections.
He also expressed optimism that the Labour Party would record strong performances in Adamawa State and across the North-East region during the forthcoming polls.
Observers believe the influx of aspirants into the Labour Party may further reshape the country’s opposition landscape, especially as more established politicians continue to explore alternatives outside the ruling parties.
Analysts believe the participation of figures such as Maku and Abbo could strengthen the party’s visibility in parts of the North where it previously struggled to build deep structures.
The surge in interest is also expected to intensify internal competition for tickets, particularly in battleground states where the party hopes to expand its electoral reach and challenge dominant political forces.
