Politics

2027: Fresh Crisis Emerges in Labour Party as Obi Distances Himself from Datti-Abure Reconciliation

Published by Tope Fakinlede on July 22nd, 2025.

2027: Fresh Crisis Emerges in Labour Party as Obi Distances Himself from Datti-Abure Reconciliation

Tensions within the Labour Party have deepened ahead of the 2027 general elections as Peter Obi, the party’s 2023 presidential flagbearer, has disassociated himself from a recent peace meeting involving his former running mate, Dr. Datti Baba-Ahmed, and the Julius Abure-led faction of the party.

The Labour Party has been locked in a prolonged leadership crisis, intensified since April when multiple individuals claimed the position of National Chairman. The conflict escalated further following a Supreme Court ruling that invalidated Abure’s leadership, despite his continued recognition by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Adding to the confusion, Lamidi Apapa asserted his authority as acting chairman based on seniority within the party’s National Working Committee. Meanwhile, another faction, led by Senator Nenadi Usman and backed by Peter Obi and Abia State Governor Alex Otti, has continued to gain traction among party loyalists.

Obidient Movement Affirms Loyalty to Obi and Usman-Led Faction

Responding to reports of the reconciliation meeting between Baba-Ahmed and Abure, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, reaffirmed the group’s allegiance to Obi and the Usman-led caretaker committee.

“We were not informed of any such meeting,” Tanko stated. “Our movement remains solidly behind His Excellency, Peter Obi. Wherever he goes, that is where we stand. Nigerians are aware that Obi aligns with Governor Otti and the Nenadi Usman leadership. That’s our position.”

When asked about the presence of some Obidient members at the Abuja meeting, including Hajia Nana Kazauri, Tanko clarified that her attendance was merely observational and did not signal any shift in loyalty.

“There’s no division among us. We remain united and committed to the ideals of Peter Obi,” he emphasized.

Tanko also declined to confirm whether Obi had prior knowledge of Baba-Ahmed’s meeting with Abure. However, he acknowledged that those proposing peace within the party had the freedom to do so, provided the efforts were in good faith.

Datti Seeks Unity, Acknowledges Abure’s Leadership

During the meeting held in Abuja, Dr. Datti Baba-Ahmed publicly endorsed Julius Abure as the legitimate National Chairman of the Labour Party. He positioned himself as a mediator, committed to resolving internal disputes and fostering unity within the party ahead of 2027.

“I am not here with any ambition or personal agenda,” Datti said. “My goal is reconciliation. I remain a member of the Labour Party and believe in its mission.”

He reflected on the outcome of the 2023 elections, noting that although the party had initially claimed over 10 million votes, that figure was later reduced to 6.1 million. He cited the influence of “state capture” and internal divisions as challenges the party must overcome.

Datti stressed that while he had explored coalition talks with other political groups, his loyalty to LP remained intact. He warned members to be cautious of alliances that compromise the party’s principles.

“The Labour Party has made historic gains, and our mission is far from over,” he said. “What follows after removing a government is more important than the act itself.”

Abure Welcomes Olive Branch, Defends His Leadership

In response, Julius Abure welcomed Baba-Ahmed’s outreach and expressed a willingness to reconcile with Obi, Otti, and others who had distanced themselves from his leadership.

“Our doors are open. If those who left are ready to return in peace and apologise, we are prepared to forgive and move forward,” Abure said.

He reiterated that the Supreme Court had affirmed internal party structures and declared that leadership matters are to be resolved within the party’s framework.

Abure dismissed the Nenadi Usman-led faction as “illegitimate,” claiming that only those elected at the party’s Nnewi convention in 2024 had the legal mandate to lead.

Abure’s Meeting with Wike Raises Eyebrows

Addressing recent speculation about his private meeting with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, Abure clarified that the visit was purely personal and not politically motivated.

“As a resident of the FCT, I have the right to interact with public officials,” he explained. “The visit to the minister was private. There was no hidden agenda.”

He reaffirmed his commitment to the Labour Party’s values and legacy, declaring, “We have grown this party from the ground up, and I will never compromise its integrity or mission. Everything I do is in the party’s best interest.”

Looking Ahead to 2027

As the Labour Party navigates its internal turbulence, the battle for control between factions continues to cast a shadow over its preparations for the 2027 elections. While figures like Baba-Ahmed push for unity, the stark divisions between Peter Obi’s loyalists and the Abure-led leadership remain unresolved.

Observers say the coming months will be critical in determining whether the party can mend its rifts or risk entering the next election cycle divided.