The Labour Party’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has confirmed that Peter Obi was aware of his decision to attend the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting led by Julius Abure. He described the move as part of a peace effort to reconcile warring factions within the party.
Appearing on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Tuesday, Baba-Ahmed said, “The Labour Party is not one to walk away from, abandon, or ignore. I’m on a peace mission — I bring people together to understand each other and renew our efforts to rescue Nigeria.”
He emphasised that Obi, his running mate in the 2023 presidential election, was informed of his participation in the meeting. “Every step I take, concerned parties are aware. I don’t need to get into operational details, but rest assured, everyone involved knows. His Excellency Peter Obi is fully aware,” he stated.
Baba-Ahmed dismissed claims by Obidient Movement National Coordinator, Yunusa Tanko, who had suggested Obi’s supporters were unaware of the meeting. “I don’t speak with Mr Tanko; I speak directly with Peter Obi. Perhaps Obi hasn’t had the time to brief those around him,” he added.
He urged aggrieved party members to unite and talk, warning against divisive politics. “We’ve all been victims of the captors of the Nigerian state. Clean, unambitious actions aimed at reform are welcome. We need unity and sincerity,” he said.
Leadership Crisis Continues
The Labour Party has been gripped by internal strife, splitting it into opposing factions. While Peter Obi and Abia State Governor Alex Otti support a group led by Senator Nenadi Usman — elected interim national chairman last Friday — others, including National Youth Leader Kennedy Ahanotu, insist Julius Abure remains the rightful chairman.
Usman’s interim leadership includes Senator Darlington Nwokocha as secretary, but Ahanotu has labelled the appointments illegal and unconstitutional.
The Supreme Court, in April, set aside an earlier Court of Appeal ruling that recognised Abure as chairman. The court ruled that leadership matters were internal party issues over which courts lack jurisdiction. It upheld the appeal by Senator Usman and another appellant as meritorious.
Despite the legal and political confusion, Datti Baba-Ahmed remains optimistic. “I see myself as a catalyst for unity. We must rise to the occasion and fix our house,” he said.