Labour Party youth leaders have mandated their national youth leader, Prince Kennedy Ahanotu, to begin consultations with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and pro-Tinubu groups on a possible political alliance ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The proposal, which could see members of the party that backed Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election, followed a virtual meeting on Friday involving Ahanotu, five national zonal youth leaders and 32 state youth leaders.

According to a statement signed by Edo State Labour Party Youth Leader Ken Omusi on Saturday, participants cited the party’s prolonged internal crisis and what they described as inadequate recognition and support for young members after the 2023 elections.

The leaders directed Ahanotu to engage representatives of the APC, the Renewed Hope Movement, the City Boy Movement and Tinubu Support Groups to explore possible collaboration before the 2027 polls.

They argued that young members needed a political platform offering greater opportunities for leadership, economic empowerment and participation in national decision-making.

The statement also said participants discussed the Tinubu administration’s policies on economic reforms, education, healthcare, infrastructure, security, agriculture and workers’ welfare.

However, the proposed alignment remains at the consultation stage. The statement did not announce a formal endorsement of Tinubu by the Labour Party as a whole or confirm any agreement with the APC.

The youth leaders proposed a physical meeting in Abuja after the consultations to review their outcome and determine the next steps.

The development comes amid divisions within the Labour Party over its leadership and preparations for the 2027 elections.

In May, the faction led by Julius Abure adopted Ahanotu as its presidential candidate for the 2027 election, while a rival faction announced Chibuzo Okereke as its candidate through a separate process, highlighting the party’s internal divisions.

The proposed engagement with Tinubu’s political allies could add another dimension to the party’s struggle to establish a common political direction ahead of the next general elections.

The statement was issued on behalf of the participants by Omusi.