Why I Attended the Abure-Led LP Meeting — Datti Baba-Ahmed

Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, the Labour Party’s 2023 vice presidential candidate, has declared that Peter Obi was fully aware of his decision to attend the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting convened by Julius Abure.

Datti made the revelation during an interview on Channels TV’s The Morning Brief on Tuesday.

He said his role was that of a peacemaker working to unite the divided party.

“I assure you, every step I take is with the knowledge of the concerned parties,” Datti said. “Labour Party is not a party to abandon. We must talk and unite.”

He emphasized that the internal divisions in the party must not be ignored, and he is taking proactive steps to promote reconciliation.

“I’m a positive catalyst,” he noted, “bringing people together to rescue Nigeria.”

This comes amid a serious leadership crisis that has split the Labour Party into factions.

Many key figures, including Peter Obi and Abia State Governor Alex Otti, now recognize Senator Nenadi Usman as the party’s Interim National Chairman.

Usman was elected last Friday, alongside Senator Darlington Nwokocha as Interim National Secretary and others.

However, the party’s National Youth Leader, Kennedy Ahanotu, rejected the new interim committee.

He insisted that Julius Abure remains the legitimate leader of the party.

A major legal twist came in April, when the Supreme Court overturned a Court of Appeal judgment that had recognized Abure as the Labour Party chairman.

The apex court ruled that the matter was an internal party issue and therefore not within the court’s jurisdiction.

The Supreme Court backed the appeal filed by Nenadi Usman and one other, describing it as meritorious.

Despite Obi and Otti identifying with the Usman-led faction, Datti defended his engagement with Abure’s NEC, stating he was on a mission to encourage dialogue.

Responding to Obidient Movement Coordinator Yunusa Tanko, who claimed Obi’s camp wasn’t aware of the meeting, Datti dismissed the claim.

He said he deals directly with Obi, not his aides.

“I don’t talk to Mr. Tanko,” he said. “I relate with His Excellency Peter Obi, and he is aware. Maybe he hasn’t had time to brief the Tankos around him.”

Datti also said the Labour Party, like many other political parties, has suffered due to “the captors of the Nigerian state.” He urged party leaders to rise and heal the divisions from within.

Key Takeaways

Datti Baba-Ahmed says Obi approved his attendance at Abure-led meeting.

He calls for unity and peaceful resolution of Labour Party crisis.

Supreme Court ruled leadership issues are internal matters.

Obi and Alex Otti support Nenadi Usman as interim party leader.

Youth Leader Kennedy Ahanotu insists Abure remains in charge.

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