2027: New Labour Party Tensions Emerge as Obi Declines Datti-Abure Reconciliation Effort

The team of Peter Obi, Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has clarified that it was not involved in a recent meeting between his former running mate, Dr. Datti Baba-Ahmed, and the party leadership led by Julius Abure.

The Labour Party has been dealing with ongoing internal leadership disputes, which intensified after a Supreme Court ruling in April. While the Independent National Electoral Commission recognizes Julius Abure as the national chairman, the court ruling disqualified him, leading to competing claims from different factions within the party.

One such faction is led by Lamidi Apapa, who argued that he should take over based on his seniority within the party’s Working Committee. Meanwhile, another faction, backed by Peter Obi and Abia State Governor Alex Otti, is aligned with a caretaker committee chaired by Senator Nenadi Usman.

Reacting to the meeting between Abure and Baba-Ahmed, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, said the group remains committed to Obi and the caretaker leadership.

“We are not aware of that meeting. As Obidients, we remain loyal to Peter Obi. Wherever he stands, we stand,” he said. “It’s known that Obi is with Governor Otti and the caretaker committee led by Senator Usman. That’s our position.”

When asked about the presence of some Obi loyalists at the meeting, including Hajia Nana Kazauri, Tanko explained that any attendance was in a personal or observational capacity. He insisted there was no division within the movement and emphasized the ongoing good relationship between Obi and Baba-Ahmed.

Tanko also clarified that while the meeting may not have been pre-approved by Obi’s camp, any genuine effort to reconcile the party was welcome, provided it had the overall good of the party at heart.

During the meeting, Dr. Datti Baba-Ahmed reportedly recognized Julius Abure as the legitimate party chairman, saying the Labour Party’s past successes were unprecedented and worth preserving.

He acknowledged that the party had presented solid results in the 2023 elections but highlighted the negative impact of internal division. He said his role in the meeting was to act as a peacemaker and encourage unity within the party.

“I am here to bridge the gap between factions and promote understanding,” he said. “Though I’ve participated in coalition discussions in the past, I remain committed to the Labour Party and its values.”

Baba-Ahmed also warned party members against joining alliances that do not align with the party’s principles. Reflecting on past political transitions in Nigeria, he stressed the importance of not just changing leadership but ensuring better governance follows.

He affirmed that Peter Obi remains with the Labour Party and expressed optimism about unifying all groups to move forward together.

In response, Julius Abure welcomed Baba-Ahmed’s reconciliatory tone and extended an invitation to Obi, Otti, and others to return and work together. He called for forgiveness and unity, saying there should be no winners or losers in the internal crisis.

Abure also addressed recent questions about his visit to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, which sparked speculation. He described the visit as a personal and private interaction, stating that as a Nigerian citizen living in Abuja, he had the right to meet with government officials.

Reaffirming his commitment to the Labour Party, Abure said the party’s success under his leadership speaks for itself. He emphasized that he would continue to defend and protect the party’s values and principles, stating that he remains loyal to its mission.