2027 Realignment: Labaran Maku, Ishaku Abbo join Labour Party race

The Labour Party (LP) recorded a major political boost on Wednesday as several high-profile politicians, including former Minister of Information, Labaran Maku and former senator Ishaku Abbo, obtained nomination forms to contest elective positions ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The development, which took place at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, signals growing momentum for the Labour Party as it positions itself as a stronger opposition platform in the evolving 2027 political landscape.

Supporters and party loyalists gathered at the secretariat as aspirants completed the nomination process, with party officials describing the turnout as evidence of increasing confidence in the LP’s structure and electoral prospects.

Former Information Minister Labaran Maku picked up the party’s nomination form to contest the Nasarawa North Senatorial District seat. Speaking shortly after the exercise, Maku expressed optimism about the party’s chances in the next election cycle, describing the Labour Party as a growing political force with nationwide appeal.

According to him, Nigerians are increasingly embracing the party due to public dissatisfaction with the country’s current political and economic challenges.

“The Labour Party has earned the confidence of many Nigerians who are looking for credible leadership and accountable governance,” Maku said. “We believe the party will emerge stronger across various elective positions in 2027.”

Maku, a prominent political figure in Nasarawa State, previously served in the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan and has remained active in national politics since leaving office.

In a separate development, former Adamawa North Senator Ishaku Abbo formally joined the race for the Adamawa State governorship under the Labour Party platform.

Abbo, who recently exited the ruling APC following months of political realignment, praised the party leadership for repositioning the LP ahead of the 2027 elections. He specifically commended the party’s National Chairman, Nenadi Usman, for efforts aimed at strengthening internal structures and expanding the party’s national reach.

The former senator expressed confidence that the Labour Party would perform strongly in the North-East region, especially in Adamawa State.

Wednesday’s exercise also saw several other aspirants obtain nomination forms for various elective offices across the country.

Among them are Emmanuel Ben, who is seeking the governorship ticket in Akwa Ibom State; Adamu Bako Blanzou, contesting for the Akwanga North/Eggon/Wamba Federal Constituency seat; Hon. Jesse James Ayenajeh, vying for the Toto Federal Constituency seat in Nasarawa State; and Hon. Chidiebere Darlington Anyanwu, contesting for the Ahiazu/Ezinihitte Federal Constituency seat in Imo State.

Political analysts say the influx of experienced politicians into the Labour Party could reshape alliances ahead of the 2027 elections, especially as opposition parties continue to strategize against the ruling APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The Labour Party gained national prominence during the 2023 presidential election and has since continued efforts to expand its influence across states and regions. Observers believe the entry of established political figures may further strengthen the party’s grassroots structure and electoral competitiveness.

As preparations intensify for the 2027 polls, attention is expected to remain on how the Labour Party manages its growing list of aspirants and whether the wave of defections and new entrants will translate into electoral success at the national and state levels.