Datti Baba-Ahmed, who served as Labour Party’s vice presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has clarified that Peter Obi was informed ahead of his participation in a recent NEC meeting led by Julius Abure. According to Baba-Ahmed, the gathering was part of a broader push to resolve tensions within the party and reunite its divided leadership.
Appearing on The Morning Brief on Channels Television, Baba-Ahmed said his role in the current party situation is simply that of a bridge-builder.
“I’m on a peace mission,” he said. “Labour Party is not something you just walk away from. I believe in its potential, and I’m committed to helping it heal.”
He emphasized that Peter Obi, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, was fully in the loop.
“Everything I do, those who need to know—know. I don’t need to spell out internal processes, but Obi was informed. I speak with him directly, not just with those around him,” he said, addressing concerns from the Obidient Movement that they weren’t aware of the meeting.
Responding to comments by Obidient Movement Coordinator Yunusa Tanko, who claimed supporters weren’t briefed, Baba-Ahmed dismissed the remark politely.
“I don’t speak to Tanko. I speak to the boss—His Excellency Peter Obi. And yes, Obi was aware. Maybe he just hasn’t updated those around him yet.”
He also said he believes the party, like many others, has been affected by the broader systemic issues plaguing Nigeria’s politics and urged all stakeholders to come together to push for unity and purpose.
Meanwhile, tensions remain high within the Labour Party as leadership disputes continue. While figures like Obi and Abia State Governor Alex Otti support the group led by Senator Nenadi Usman—who was recently named Interim National Chairman—others still recognize Julius Abure as the party’s leader.
Kennedy Ahanotu, the party’s National Youth Leader, has declared the Usman-led committee unconstitutional, stating that the leadership remains with Abure.
The legal backdrop is just as complex. Back in April, the Supreme Court overturned a ruling by the Court of Appeal that had affirmed Abure’s position as chairman. The apex court stated that internal party leadership matters fall outside the court’s jurisdiction and should be resolved within the party.
The ruling, which favored an appeal filed by Nenadi Usman and another party member, further complicated the ongoing leadership crisis.
Despite the challenges, Baba-Ahmed remains hopeful that with open dialogue and collective action, Labour Party can find its footing again. “This isn’t about factions—it’s about Nigeria. And we need everyone at the table,” he said.
