The camp of Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has distanced itself from the reconciliation meeting held on Monday between his former running mate, Dr. Datti Baba-Ahmed, and the faction led by Julius Abure. The Labour Party has been mired in an internal leadership tussle, which escalated in April when three individuals claimed to be the party’s legitimate national leaders. This followed a Supreme Court judgment disqualifying Julius Abure, who remains recognized by INEC, from serving as the party’s chairman.
Lamidi Apapa further fueled the conflict, asserting that he should assume leadership as the most senior member of the Working Committee based on the court’s verdict. Meanwhile, a separate faction led by Senator Nenadi Usman, backed by Peter Obi and Abia State Governor Alex Otti, continues to challenge Abure’s authority.
Reacting to Monday’s meeting, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, said the group remains firmly aligned with Governor Otti and the Nenadi Usman-led caretaker committee.
“We were not informed about the meeting. However, as Obidients, our loyalty is with Peter Obi. Wherever he goes, we follow. Nigerians are aware that Obi supports Governor Otti and the caretaker leadership under Senator Usman. That’s our position.”
Tanko also addressed reports that prominent Obidient figure Hajia Nana Kazauri was present at the meeting, clarifying that she only attended as an observer. He insisted that the Obidient Movement remain united behind Obi and dismissed any talk of internal division.
“There is no fracture in our ranks. Datti and Obi continue to maintain a strong relationship. Whatever is being insinuated about a rift is simply false.”
Tanko also reiterated that the camp had no prior knowledge of Baba-Ahmed’s meeting with Abure. However, he added that anyone who takes steps to resolve the crisis with good intentions is free to do so.
Meanwhile, Dr. Datti Baba-Ahmed stated that his involvement was purely aimed at fostering reconciliation among the divided groups within the Labour Party. He decried what he called “state capture,” which, according to him, reduced the party’s actual 10 million votes to 6.1 million. He noted that such manipulation was a key factor driving disunity within the party.
“My mission is to mend fences and unite the party. When efforts at coalition or peace are made, it is important to show up. But that does not mean one must accept outcomes that go against their values.”
Baba-Ahmed emphasized that he remains firmly in the Labour Party and cautioned members against forming alliances that do not align with the party’s principles.
In response, Julius Abure welcomed the reconciliatory gesture and extended an olive branch to Peter Obi, Alex Otti, and others. He insisted, however, that the leadership elected in 2024 at Nnewi remains the only legitimate authority within the party.
He described the opposing faction as both illegal and illegitimate, asserting that no court ruling can legitimize an unlawful group.
Our doors remain open; aggrieved members who are willing to return and apologize will be welcomed. We believe there’s no victor or vanquished here, he added.
Abure also addressed the controversy around his recent visit to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, clarifying that it was a private meeting. “As a Nigerian residing in Abuja, I have the right to meet with any public official. That meeting was personal and has been misinterpreted by many.”
Reaffirming his commitment to the Labour Party, Abure said he has invested years in building the party into a formidable political force and remains dedicated to protecting its ideology and mission.
Under my leadership, this party has grown to become one of the most influential in Nigeria,” he concluded. “I will never betray its core values. My record speaks for itself, especially during the 2023 elections.
