“I Remain in Labour Party” — Datti Meets Abure Faction, Moves to Reconcile Obi, Stakeholders

Former vice presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Dr. Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, met on Monday with Julius Abure, factional national chairman of the party, as part of efforts to restore unity within the LP ahead of the 2027 general elections. Speaking at the National Executive Committee meeting of the Abure-led faction in Abuja, Baba-Ahmed vowed to lead reconciliation efforts involving the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and other aggrieved members.

Addressing party leaders and members, Baba-Ahmed emphasized the significance of the Labour Party in Nigeria’s political evolution, describing its impact as “unique and unprecedented.” Reflecting on the 2023 general election, he claimed the LP had presented verifiable evidence of securing 10 million votes, later revised down to 6.1 million, suggesting the effects of what he called “state capture” were sowing division within political institutions.

Identifying himself as a loyal party member, Baba-Ahmed said his presence at the meeting was driven by a desire to reconcile divergent views and rebuild confidence within the LP. He also referenced his participation in recent coalition talks, noting that while he listened to proposals from other political groups, he remains firmly committed to the Labour Party. He warned members against being lured into political arrangements that do not align with the party’s core principles.

Without naming specific actors, Baba-Ahmed appeared to criticise new coalition efforts led by the African Democratic Congress, cautioning that merely unseating a government is not enough if it leads to poor governance. He said, “A government was removed and what followed was disaster,” stressing that LP must not only aim to replace the ruling All Progressives Congress in 2027, but ensure a competent and credible alternative is presented.

He also affirmed recognition of both the Nenadi Usman-led group and the Abure-led executive, noting that the Independent National Electoral Commission currently recognises the latter. “This I do, devoid of any personal interest, devoid of any ambition, and devoid of any animosity to any group whatsoever,” he stated.

Citing recent remarks by Peter Obi as “reassuring,” Baba-Ahmed said he was encouraged by the former governor’s commitment to the Labour Party. He pledged to continue efforts to bring all factions together, urging members to sit down, understand each other, and move forward as a united front.