By Muhammad Mamman
In a bold move to mend the Labour Party’s fractures, 2023 vice-presidential candidate Datti Baba-Ahmed has revealed that his principal, Peter Obi, was fully informed of his decision to attend the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting chaired by Julius Abure. Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Tuesday, Baba-Ahmed cast himself as a “peacemaker on a mission” to unite the beleaguered party, which he claims has been ensnared by the “captors of the Nigerian state.”
“Labour Party is not one to abandon or ignore,” Baba-Ahmed declared passionately. “Every step I take is with the knowledge of key stakeholders. I’m a catalyst for unity, bringing people together to rescue Nigeria.” He urged factions to set aside differences and engage in dialogue, promising that such talks would yield headlines for a reinvigorated party.
Addressing claims by Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, that Obi’s supporters were unaware of the Abure meeting, Baba-Ahmed was unequivocal: “I speak directly with His Excellency Peter Obi, not intermediaries. He’s aware, though perhaps too busy to brief those around him. The Tankos remain loyal and active, and I’m glad they’re still with us.”
The Labour Party has been rocked by a leadership crisis, splitting into rival factions. While Obi and Abia State Governor Alex Otti align with the faction led by Senator Nenadi Usman, recently elected Interim National Chairman, others, including National Youth Leader Kennedy Ahanotu, staunchly back Abure, branding Usman’s appointment “unconstitutional and illegal.”
The turmoil follows a Supreme Court ruling in April, which overturned an Appeal Court decision recognising Abure as national chairman. The apex court deemed leadership disputes an internal party matter, beyond judicial reach, and upheld an appeal by Usman, reinforcing her faction’s legitimacy.
As the Labour Party battles to reclaim its unity, Baba-Ahmed’s olive branch signals a critical push to steer the party back to its mission of transforming Nigeria.
