The crisis in the Labour Party (LP) has taken a new turn as Peter Obi, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has rejected a peace move between his former running mate, Dr. Datti Baba-Ahmed, and the Julius Abure-led leadership.
On Monday, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, said Obi was not part of the meeting between Baba-Ahmed and Abure. He made it clear that the group remained loyal to the caretaker leadership led by Senator Nenadi Usman and supported by Abia State Governor Alex Otti.
“We are not aware of that particular meeting. We will continue as Obidients to mobilise with His Excellency, Peter Obi. And we have also said that wherever he goes, that’s where we are going,” Tanko said.
Tanko also dismissed any reports of division among Obi’s supporters.
He said, “There is no single crack whatsoever. We stand solidly behind His Excellency, Peter Obi.”
Dr. Baba-Ahmed had attended a meeting in Abuja with the Abure-led National Executive Committee, where he called for peace among the different factions of the Labour Party. He also recognised Abure as the legitimate national chairman.
“I am here as a peacemaker to reconcile divergent opinions,” Baba-Ahmed said. “The Labour Party is not a party to walk away from.”
He added that although he had attended meetings with other political groups, he remained committed to LP.
“I have attended and I have listened to coalition attempts, yet I still remain in the Labour Party,” he said.
He urged members of the party to be careful about forming alliances that do not match LP values.
“The government that follows is even more important than removing a government itself. A government was removed, and what followed was disaster,” he warned.
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Despite acknowledging Abure’s leadership, Baba-Ahmed also noted the existence of the Nenadi Usman faction and stressed he had no personal ambition in the reconciliation attempt.
Abure, in his response, welcomed Datti’s support and offered to forgive Obi, Otti, and others if they returned to the party’s fold.
“Our doors are open. They should sheath their swords and come back. If they apologise, we are ready to forgive them,” Abure said.
He also defended his recent visit to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, saying it was a private meeting.
“I have a right as a Nigerian to meet with any government official,” he explained.
Abure reaffirmed his loyalty to LP, saying, “We have nurtured this party for many years. By the grace of God, today, the party has become one of the biggest political parties in Nigeria under my watch.”
For now, the crisis within the Labour Party remains unresolved, as Obi and his loyalists insist they do not recognise the Abure leadership. The disagreement could have major effects on the party’s unity as it prepares for the 2027 general elections.