A fresh storm is brewing in the Labour Party ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, as Peter Obi’s camp has publicly distanced itself from a peace meeting between his former running mate, Dr. Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, and the Julius Abure-led faction of the party. The move has reignited deep-seated tensions and laid bare the widening cracks within the LP leadership.
The Labour Party has been grappling with an unresolved leadership crisis since April 2024. The confusion worsened after the Supreme Court ruled against Julius Abure, who had been officially recognised by INEC as the national chairman. That judgment opened the floodgates for internal power tussles, with three different factions emerging—each claiming rightful control.
One of the key players, Lamidi Apapa, seized the opportunity to assert himself as the legitimate acting chairman, citing his seniority in the National Working Committee. Meanwhile, another faction under the leadership of former Senator Nenadi Usman emerged—reportedly backed by both Peter Obi and Governor Alex Otti of Abia State.
The Obi Camp Responds
The latest twist came after Datti Baba-Ahmed attended a reconciliation meeting hosted by the Abure-led National Executive Committee. However, Peter Obi’s loyalists have rejected the outcome of the meeting and dismissed any notion of a realignment.
Speaking to The PUNCH, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, made it clear that the movement remained firmly aligned with Peter Obi and the Nenadi Usman-led caretaker committee.
“We are not aware of that particular meeting. As Obidients, we follow Obi. He is with Governor Otti and Senator Nenadi Usman—and that is where we stand,” Tanko said.
He also downplayed the participation of prominent Obidient figure Hajia Nana Kazauri at the meeting, claiming she only attended as an observer and remained committed to Obi’s leadership.
Tanko insisted that despite Baba-Ahmed’s appearance at the Abure meeting, there was no rift between the former LP presidential ticket partners.
“There is no crack. The relationship between Datti and Obi remains solid. But as for the meeting with Abure, we are not part of it,” he added.
Datti Declares for Abure Camp
In sharp contrast, Dr. Baba-Ahmed publicly endorsed Julius Abure as the authentic National Chairman of the Labour Party at the NEC meeting in Abuja. He described his mission as a peace initiative meant to reconcile all factions and restore unity.
“Labour Party is not a party to walk away from. I am here as a peacemaker to reconcile divergent opinions,” he stated.
Datti also reiterated the LP’s electoral strength in 2023, noting that they initially scored over 10 million votes before it was controversially reduced to 6.1 million. He stressed that while he has attended discussions about forming a coalition, he remained loyal to LP.
“If your neighbourhood invites you to discuss security, you must attend. But if other matters arise, you can return to your original position,” he said, subtly referring to recent coalition talks among opposition figures.
Though Datti acknowledged the Nenadi Usman faction, he stood by Abure’s INEC-recognised leadership and reaffirmed that Peter Obi remained a member of the Labour Party.
Abure Opens the Door—but With Conditions
In response, Julius Abure embraced Datti’s reconciliatory efforts and extended an olive branch to Obi, Otti, and others, though not without a stern reminder.
“We are ready to forgive if they return and apologise. But let’s be clear—legality does not permit illegality,” Abure said, defending the legitimacy of the executive elected at the 2024 Nnewi convention.
He urged aggrieved factions to “sheath their swords,” insisting that the Supreme Court had clarified the party’s authority to manage its internal affairs without interference.
Wike Meeting Raises Eyebrows
Abure also addressed the controversy surrounding his recent secretive visit to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike—a move that sparked suspicions of backdoor political dealings.
“I live in Abuja. Wike is the FCT Minister. As a Nigerian, I have every right to meet with any government official. It was a private meeting,” he said, brushing off the speculation.
He reaffirmed his loyalty to the LP and pledged to uphold its ideals, promising never to compromise the party’s values despite the ongoing crisis.
“We have nurtured this party for years. Under my watch, LP has become one of the most formidable parties in Nigeria. I will not betray its vision.”
With less than two years to the 2027 general elections, the Labour Party finds itself at a crossroads—caught between factional loyalties, unresolved legal battles, and a deepening trust deficit. While Datti Baba-Ahmed’s peace overture may appear noble, Peter Obi’s loyalists see it as premature, or even suspicious. Whether unity is possible—or whether these internal fractures will doom the party’s 2027 ambitions—remains to be seen.
DEVELOPING STORY — further updates expected as political realignments continue.
