The Labour Party Youth Wing has proposed a political alliance with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and groups supporting President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections, amid the ongoing leadership crisis within the opposition party.
The proposal followed a virtual meeting involving the Labour Party’s National Youth Leader, Prince Kennedy Ahanotu, five national zonal youth leaders and 32 state youth leaders, who deliberated on the party’s political future and the role of young people in the next electoral cycle.
The development was disclosed in a statement signed by Edo State Labour Party Youth Leader, Ken Omusi, on Saturday and published on the party’s official X handle.
According to the statement, the meeting was held on Friday to discuss the prolonged internal crisis within the Labour Party, concerns about youth participation and possible political realignments ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Following deliberations, the youth leaders reportedly mandated Ahanotu to commence consultations with the APC, the Renewed Hope Movement, the City Boy Movement and Tinubu Support Groups to explore the possibility of political alignment and collaboration.
The statement noted that the consultations would provide an opportunity to assess potential areas of cooperation with the ruling party and organisations backing President Tinubu.
Labour Party Youth Leaders Express Dissatisfaction Over Youth Inclusion
The Labour Party youth leaders reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with what they described as inadequate recognition, limited engagement and a lack of support for young people during and after the 2023 general elections.
They argued that despite the efforts of young Nigerians in mobilising support for the party during the previous election, the youth constituency had not received sufficient opportunities for leadership development, economic empowerment and participation in national decision-making.
The statement quoted the participants as expressing concerns over the lack of meaningful engagement with young party members and called for a political platform that would provide greater opportunities for youth inclusion.
The youth leaders consequently urged Ahanotu to begin immediate consultations with relevant stakeholders within the APC and the various pro-Tinubu political movements to determine the prospects of a possible alliance before the 2027 elections.
However, the proposed alignment is still at the consultation stage, and no final agreement or formal defection has been announced by the youth leaders.
Abuja Meeting Proposed to Review Outcome of Consultations
The statement disclosed that the Labour Party youth leaders also proposed a physical meeting in Abuja to review the outcome of the consultations and determine the group’s next political steps.
The proposed meeting is expected to provide an opportunity for the youth leaders to consider feedback from the APC, the Renewed Hope Movement, the City Boy Movement and Tinubu Support Groups.
The participants reportedly agreed that broad-based consultations and consensus-building would be necessary before any further decision on the proposed political collaboration.
They also discussed policies of the Tinubu administration, including economic reforms, human capital development, youth empowerment, infrastructure, healthcare, education, security, agriculture and workers’ welfare.
According to the statement, participants expressed differing views on the administration’s policies and their potential implications for Nigeria’s economic growth and national development.
Labour Party Leadership Crisis Deepens Ahead of 2027
The proposed political alignment comes amid continuing divisions within the Labour Party, which has experienced competing leadership claims and disagreements over its political direction.
In May 2026, Prince Kennedy Ahanotu emerged as the presidential candidate of the Julius Abure-led faction during its primaries for presidential, governorship and House of Representatives positions.
Another faction, however, presented Chibuzo Okereke as its presidential candidate, highlighting the divisions within the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The leadership dispute has raised questions about the party’s organisational structure, internal cohesion and preparations for the next electoral cycle.
The latest proposal by the youth wing to engage the APC and pro-Tinubu groups adds another dimension to the party’s internal political discussions, although the proposed consultations do not represent a formal decision by the entire Labour Party.
Labour Party’s Political Significance Since 2023
The Labour Party emerged as a major opposition force during the 2023 presidential election, when its candidate, Peter Obi, secured 6,101,533 votes to finish third behind the candidates of the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), according to results declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The party also secured seats in the National Assembly and won the governorship election in Abia State, establishing a significant presence in Nigeria’s opposition politics.
Its performance in 2023 was supported by substantial mobilisation among young voters and supporters who advocated political change, greater accountability and increased participation in governance.
The party’s current internal divisions and the proposed engagement by its youth leaders with the APC therefore come at a significant point in its preparations for the 2027 elections.
Proposed APC Alliance Remains Subject to Consultations
Despite the proposal, the Labour Party youth leaders have indicated that discussions with the APC and pro-Tinubu groups are still ongoing and that further decisions will depend on consultations and consensus among relevant stakeholders.
The proposed political engagement could shape discussions about the future direction of the Labour Party’s youth constituency, but it remains unclear whether the consultations will lead to a formal alliance, electoral collaboration or another political arrangement.
The development comes as political actors and groups across Nigeria continue to explore possible alliances and realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
For now, the Labour Party youth leaders are expected to review the outcome of the proposed consultations at a physical meeting in Abuja before determining their next course of action.