Fresh LP Crisis as Peter Obi’s Camp Rejects Datti-Abure Peace Push

The Labour Party plunged deeper into crisis on Monday as Peter Obi’s camp firmly rejected the reconciliation meeting between his former running mate, Dr. Datti Baba-Ahmed, and the Julius Abure-led LP leadership.

Obi’s loyalists described the meeting as unofficial and insisted that the former Anambra governor remains aligned with Governor Alex Otti and the caretaker committee led by Senator Nenadi Usman.

The party has remained divided since the Supreme Court disqualified Julius Abure, sparking a battle for the party’s national leadership.

Lamidi Apapa claimed leadership based on his seniority within the party’s National Working Committee. Meanwhile, the Obi-Otti alliance recognizes Nenadi Usman as the legitimate interim leader.

Obi’s Camp: “We Were Not Involved”

Reacting to Datti’s move, the Obidient Movement’s National Coordinator, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, said Obi and his supporters had no involvement in the meeting.

“We were not part of that meeting. Obidients remain solidly with Peter Obi, and we will follow him wherever he goes,” Tanko told PUNCH.

He confirmed Obi’s alignment with Governor Otti and Senator Usman, calling the Abure faction’s meeting irrelevant to their mission.

Datti’s Position Sparks Controversy

Earlier, Datti Baba-Ahmed recognized Julius Abure as the LP’s national chairman during Abure’s NEC meeting in Abuja.

Datti explained that he attended as a peacemaker to unite the party ahead of the 2027 election.

“Labour Party is not a party to walk away from,” Datti said.

“My aim is reconciliation, not division. I still stand with the Labour Party, and I believe Peter Obi does too.”

Datti said he joined coalition talks with other parties but rejected any arrangement that didn’t align with LP’s values.

“Removing a failed government isn’t enough. What comes after matters more. We did it in 2023; we must do better in 2027.”

Despite his comments, Obi’s camp stressed that Datti’s views don’t reflect the position of the wider Obidient Movement.

Tanko Clarifies Nana Kazauri’s Role

When asked about the presence of prominent Obidient member Hajia Nana Kazauri at the meeting, Tanko clarified that she attended only as an observer.

“She remains loyal to the movement. Her presence didn’t signal any change in allegiance. There’s no crack in our camp.”

Abure Responds: “Return and Apologize”

Julius Abure welcomed Datti’s peace efforts but maintained that his leadership remains legal and valid.

“The party’s constitution and NEC elected me in Nnewi. Anyone claiming leadership outside that process is illegitimate.”

He asked Obi’s loyalists to return to the fold.

“We are open to reconciliation. If they return and apologize, we will forgive. There’s no victor or vanquished.”

On His Visit to Wike

Abure also addressed his secret meeting with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, which drew suspicion from LP members.

“I met Wike in a private capacity. I have every right as a Nigerian to engage public officials. It was not political.”

He reaffirmed his loyalty to the party:

“I will never betray the Labour Party. Under my leadership, we built LP into one of Nigeria’s biggest parties.”

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