Abuja, Nigeria – 21 July 2025
In a significant development amid the ongoing leadership crisis within Nigeria’s Labour Party, Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, the party’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate, attended a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting convened by the faction led by Julius Abure. The gathering, held on Monday, underscored the faction’s stance that there is “no vacuum” in the party’s leadership, despite internal divisions.
The meeting brought together key figures, including members of the National Working Committee, national officers, state chairmen, and various stakeholders. Baba-Ahmed’s presence marked a notable step towards addressing the party’s fractures, as he pledged to work towards reuniting former presidential candidate Peter Obi and other key figures to rebuild unity ahead of future elections.
Speaking at the event, Baba-Ahmed emphasised his commitment to reconciliation, stating that efforts are underway to bring all stakeholders back into the fold. “We are determined to reunite Peter Obi and other key figures within the Labour Party, aiming to rebuild unity,” he reportedly said, highlighting the importance of a cohesive front for the party’s future prospects.
Julius Abure, the factional national chairman, used the occasion to reaffirm his leadership and the party’s integrity. He declared that the Labour Party “can never be compromised” under his watch, addressing concerns raised by rival factions and external critics. Abure also clarified the party’s position on potential alliances, stating unequivocally that the Labour Party is not involved in any coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Labour Party has been plagued by internal conflicts since the 2023 elections, with multiple factions vying for control. The Abure-led group has maintained its legitimacy, while other groups, including those aligned with Obi, have held separate meetings in recent months. This latest NEC session appears to be a strategic move to consolidate support and project stability.
Stakeholders at the meeting reiterated their confidence in the current leadership structure, dismissing claims of disarray. “There is no vacuum in the party’s leadership,” a communique from the gathering stated, echoing the sentiments expressed by attendees.
As Nigeria’s political landscape evolves towards the 2027 polls, Baba-Ahmed’s involvement could signal a potential thaw in relations between the party’s prominent figures. However, analysts suggest that true reconciliation will require broader engagement from all sides to heal the rifts that have weakened the opposition party.
The Labour Party rose to prominence in the 2023 elections, where Obi and Baba-Ahmed’s ticket garnered significant support, particularly among younger voters disillusioned with the traditional political establishment.
