Abuja, Nigeria — July 21, 2025
In a surprising political development, the Labour Party (LP), under the leadership of its National Chairman Julius Abure, has officially distanced itself from former presidential candidate Peter Obi and Governor Alex Otti, declaring Dr. Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed as the party’s presidential flagbearer for the 2027 general elections.
The announcement was made during a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Abuja over the weekend. Party leaders accused Obi and Otti of engaging in activities contrary to the interest of the party, particularly citing an “illegal NEC meeting” convened on April 9, 2025, which they claim was aimed at destabilizing the LP structure.
Addressing members of the party, Abure reaffirmed the party’s commitment to internal discipline and unity, stressing that the endorsement of Baba-Ahmed was a strategic move to reposition the Labour Party ahead of the next general election.
“The Labour Party will not be hijacked or turned into a personal political vehicle. We are proud to present Dr. Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed as our presidential candidate for 2027,” Abure stated.
Dr. Baba-Ahmed, who was Peter Obi’s running mate in the 2023 presidential election, was present at the event and expressed gratitude for the party’s confidence in his leadership. He pledged to unify the various factions within the LP and to reach out to Peter Obi and other aggrieved stakeholders in a bid to rebuild the party’s strength.
“I am committed to a reconciliatory process that brings all voices together. The LP is bigger than any individual, and our goal remains the transformation of Nigeria through credible leadership,” Baba-Ahmed said.
The decision has sparked mixed reactions within the party and across Nigeria’s political landscape. While some party loyalists applauded the endorsement as a step towards restructuring the LP, others see it as a clear sign of deepening internal crisis.
Peter Obi, who emerged as a leading figure in the 2023 elections with over six million votes, is yet to officially respond. However, sources close to the former Anambra governor indicate he may be exploring alternative political platforms, with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) reportedly courting his support.
Political analysts say the Labour Party’s latest move may be aimed at balancing regional interests and appealing to northern voters, but warn that sidelining Obi—who remains a major force in southern Nigeria—could further fragment the party’s base.
As Nigeria’s 2027 election season begins to take shape, the Labour Party faces a defining moment—whether to forge ahead with a new face at the helm or risk internal divisions that could weaken its electoral chances.
