Agbese, who also chairs the party’s media sub-committee for the convention planning, made the clarification while speaking to journalists at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Monday.
Philip Agbese, the Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, has dismissed reports linking the Labour Party to an alleged opposition summit in Ibadan, insisting that the party is currently preoccupied with internal preparations ahead of its national convention.
Agbese, who also chairs the party’s media sub-committee for the convention planning, made the clarification while speaking to journalists at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Monday.
“We were not in Ibadan for any summit,” he said.
“As a party, we are focused on our National Convention coming up on April 28, and on strengthening our internal processes ahead of the 2027 general elections.”
Reports had suggested that some opposition parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), met in Ibadan to deliberate on a possible coalition and the prospect of presenting a single presidential candidate in 2027.
However, Agbese distanced the Labour Party from the meeting, stating that the party is not involved in any such discussions at this stage, as it prioritises internal consolidation and preparation for future electoral contests.
“Our attention is on putting our house in order. The convention is a critical step in that process,” he said.
He added that the party’s leadership is prioritising internal cohesion and institutional strengthening, arguing that a stable structure is essential before considering alliances.
“We believe that before you talk about external alignments, you must first build a solid and united structure within your party,” he stated.
Agbese further noted that while political coalitions are part of democratic practice, they must not undermine internal discipline.
“At this moment, we are not distracted by any summit or coalition talks. Our focus is clear — prepare for our National Convention and position the party effectively for 2027,” he said.
