Datti Baba-Ahmed, the 2023 vice presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), attended a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting led by Julius Abure’s faction on July 21, 2025. During the meeting, Baba-Ahmed emphasized his commitment to reconciliation within the party, which has been plagued by internal crises and divided into two factions led by Abure and Nenadi Usman.
Baba-Ahmed pledged to spearhead reconciliation efforts to unify the party, particularly between Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate, and other stakeholders. He described himself as a loyal party member and emphasized that the Labour Party is “not a party to walk away from”. This statement underscores his dedication to the party’s ideals and his desire to work towards healing internal divisions.
The meeting comes amid ongoing power struggles within the LP, with both factions vying for legitimacy and recognition. Baba-Ahmed’s attendance and statements signal a potential shift towards unity, as he seeks to bring together all factions and stakeholders to “sit down, understand each other better, and move forward”. He acknowledged the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) recognition of the Abure-led faction as the legitimate leadership, which could pave the way for a more cohesive approach to the party’s challenges.
Baba-Ahmed also acknowledged attending meetings of opposition coalitions but clarified that he remains committed to the Labour Party. His efforts aim to rebuild unity within the LP ahead of the 2027 general elections, a critical period that will test the party’s strength and cohesion. By focusing on reconciliation and unity, Baba-Ahmed hopes to position the LP as a viable alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The outcome of these reconciliation efforts will be crucial in determining the party’s future direction and electoral prospects. As Baba-Ahmed works to rally the party’s factions, his commitment to the Labour Party’s ideals and his leadership role within the party will be put to the test.
