Tension as Datti Moves to Reunite Obi, Labour Party Factions

Former Labour Party vice presidential candidate, Dr. Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has met with Julius Abure, the factional National Chairman of the party.

The meeting took place in Abuja during the National Executive Committee session of the Abure-led group, on Monday, July 21, 2025.

Datti pledged to lead reconciliation efforts within the party. He aims to rebuild unity among stakeholders, especially between Peter Obi and aggrieved members, before the 2027 general elections.

“Labour Party is not one to abandon,” Datti declared. “Its achievements and political history are both unique and unmatched.”

Reflecting on the 2023 election, he claimed the party recorded over 10 million votes.

However, electoral figures eventually dropped to 6.1 million. He blamed state capture for deepening internal disunity.

Datti described himself as a loyal member of the Labour Party. He said his mission is to unite different voices and restore harmony. “I’m here as a peacemaker,” he affirmed.

He also acknowledged attending some coalition meetings. But he emphasized that his presence did not mean disloyalty.

“If your neighbors invite you to discuss security, you should attend. If the meeting drifts, you have the right to return to your original position,” he said.

Datti distanced himself from political moves that go against LP values. Taking a swipe at recent ADC coalition talks, he cautioned members to resist alliances that do not reflect the party’s vision.

“In 2023, we helped remove a government through coalition,” he stated. “But what came after was worse. Removing a government is one thing. What follows is even more important.”

He stressed the need to form a credible alternative rather than simply removing the ruling APC.

Datti also noted that INEC still recognizes Abure as the legitimate chairman. He affirmed his support for both Abure’s leadership and the Nenadi Usman-led faction. “I have no personal ambition or grudge against any group,” he assured.

He ended on a hopeful note, citing Peter Obi’s recent remarks. “From Obi’s comments, I’m glad he remains committed to Labour Party,” Datti said.

He promised to bring all factions together for dialogue. “We must sit, understand each other better, and move forward,” he concluded.

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