As tensions persist between Governor Alex Otti and the Julius Abure-led leadership of the Labour Party (LP), the party’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate, Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed, has publicly thrown his weight behind the Abure faction.
Baba-Ahmed was seen attending the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the Abure-led LP in Abuja earlier today, a move widely interpreted as a signal of his loyalty to the party’s current national leadership.
Speaking in a recent interview after his participation in an ADC coalition meeting, Baba-Ahmed reaffirmed his commitment to the Labour Party. He also expressed willingness to mediate between Peter Obi and the Abure-led leadership, in hopes of resolving ongoing internal conflicts.
Notably, Peter Obi himself has recently appeared to soften his stance toward the Abure faction. He was spotted campaigning in support of George Moghalu, the LP’s recognized governorship candidate in Anambra under Abure’s leadership—a move that has raised eyebrows among political observers.
The rift between Governor Otti and the Abure-led LP deepened after the party leadership expelled Otti and several lawmakers elected on its platform, citing anti-party activities. Otti has remained defiant, at one point pushing unsuccessfully for INEC recognition of a rival faction led by Senator Nenadi Usman.
However, analysts suggest that political pragmatism could prevail. With the dynamics of Nigerian politics constantly shifting, it’s possible that Governor Otti may reconsider his stance and negotiate with the Abure faction to reverse his expulsion, if it becomes politically expedient.
