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The former vice-presidential candidate for the Labour Party (LP), Datti Baba-Ahmed, has committed to resolving the party's leadership crisis and bringing together its divided factions in preparation for the 2027 general elections.
He emphasized that unity among party members, including Abia State Governor Alex Otti, former Presidential candidate Peter Obi, and other influential members, is essential for enhancing the LP's ability to displace the All Progressives Congress (APC) from power.
This assurance followed the party's split into two factions, one of which is led by national chairman Julius Abure, while the rival faction is under the interim leadership of ex-finance minister Usman Nenadi, which includes Otti.
Baba-Ahmed made his statements on Monday after the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the Abure-led faction in Abuja.
Concerned about the ongoing leadership dispute within the party, he noted that efforts would be made to reconcile differing views and avoid quick political alliances, asserting that they aim to maintain the unique and remarkable accomplishments achieved in 2023.
“I come as a mediator to align varying perspectives. I take pride in mentioning my attendance at discussions regarding a potential coalition in Nigeria.
“From a moral standpoint, if your community invites you to discuss security, you are obliged to participate. However, should the conversation veer to unrelated topics, you have the right to return to your previous stance.
I have participated, listened to coalition discussions, but I remain committed to the Labour Party and will not blindly engage in any political arrangements.”
Following the meeting, the NEC urged the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu, to adhere to the Supreme Court ruling by recognizing the Abure faction.
“The NEC acknowledges that there is no leadership void within the party.
The party conducted its National Convention in accordance with its Constitution, the Electoral Act, and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on March 27, 2024, in Nnewi, Anambra State, which has been affirmed by the Supreme Court ruling on April 4, 2025.
“In light of this, the NEC calls upon all members, supporters, and the general public to disregard the so-called meeting and its results.
The NEC also sanctioned the scheduling of State, Local Government, and Ward Congresses as determined by the National Working Committee, in line with the party’s Constitution and other applicable laws.
The NEC reaffirms that the Labour Party will abstain from any coalition for the 2027 general elections, convinced that the coalition formed in 2023 is more significant than any subsequent ones. Hence, we will focus on rebuilding, reconciling, and consolidating the successes of the 2023 elections.
“The Labour Party maintains a distinct identity through its ideology, policies, philosophy, and manifestos, which address the socio-economic problems facing Nigeria.
Therefore, we cannot be swayed into aligning with political entities that have previously mismanaged the nation’s resources and opportunities.”
