Datti Baba-Ahmed, the 2023 vice presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has confirmed that his attendance at the Julius Abure-led National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting was known to his principal, Peter Obi, dismissing speculation that the move was made without consultation.
Speaking on The Morning Brief on Tuesday, Baba-Ahmed described himself as a peacemaker working to reconcile divided factions within the Labour Party, which has been embroiled in a prolonged internal leadership crisis.
“Labour Party is not a party to walk away from, not a party to be abandoned or ignored,” he said. “Every little step I take, concerned parties are aware… His Excellency Peter Obi is aware. I speak with the boss, not with those who move around with him.”
His comments followed criticism from some within the party and the Obidient Movement, who questioned his engagement with the Abure faction. Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the movement, had earlier claimed that Obi’s supporters were unaware of Baba-Ahmed’s meeting with the factional leadership.
In response, Baba-Ahmed noted: “I don’t talk to Mr. Tanko. I relate with our boss, His Excellency Peter Obi… He probably has been too busy to update the Tankos around him.”
The former vice presidential candidate stressed the need for unity within the Labour Party, arguing that all political parties in Nigeria have been victims of the forces holding the country hostage.
“I’m a positive catalyst in this case. I’m bringing people together to unite, understand themselves, and make good efforts again to rescue Nigeria,” he said.
Leadership Dispute Deepens
The Labour Party remains divided, with a faction loyal to Senator Nenadi Usman—who was elected interim national chairman last week—receiving support from Obi, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, and other key figures.
However, the Abure-led faction, backed by the party’s National Youth Leader Kennedy Ahanotu, maintains that Abure remains the party’s legitimate chairman. Ahanotu described the appointment of a new interim committee as “unconstitutional and illegal.”
The Supreme Court had in April ruled that the Court of Appeal lacked jurisdiction to recognise Julius Abure as chairman, citing that party leadership disputes are internal matters outside the court’s purview. The apex court allowed the appeal filed by Usman and another member, declaring it meritorious.
As the leadership tussle drags on, party leaders and supporters remain divided over the path to reconciliation and the future direction of the Labour Party.
