Datti Baba-Ahmed, the 2023 Labour Party (LP) vice presidential candidate, was present at the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the Julius Abure-led faction of the party on Monday, amid ongoing internal divisions within the LP.
The Labour Party has been grappling with a leadership crisis that has split it into two factions: one led by Julius Abure and the other by Nenadi Usman. Most prominent figures in the party, including 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, and Datti Baba-Ahmed himself, have consistently aligned with the Usman-led group.
However, Baba-Ahmed clarified that his presence at the Abure faction’s NEC meeting in Abuja was driven by a desire to foster unity.
“I am here as a peacemaker and I am also here to reconcile divergent opinions,” he stated during his address.
He also addressed speculations surrounding his recent attendance at meetings geared toward forming an opposition coalition, asserting that he remains loyal to the Labour Party.
“I am very proud to say that I did attend meetings of certain attempts of a coalition in Nigeria. Morally speaking, if your neighbourhood invites you to discuss security, you must attend,” he explained. “However, if you attend and they discuss other matters outside that, you are at liberty to restore yourself to your former position. I have attended and I have listened to the coalition attempts. Yes, I still remain in the Labour Party.”
Following his speech, the NEC commended Baba-Ahmed for recognizing and engaging with the Abure-led leadership of the party.
What You Should Know
Datti Baba-Ahmed’s appearance at the Abure faction meeting may signal efforts to bridge the rift within the Labour Party. His call for reconciliation comes amid mounting pressure for opposition unity ahead of the 2027 elections.
