The 2023 Vice Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Datti Baba-Ahmed, attended the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the Julius Abure faction of the party on Monday.
The Labour Party has been embroiled in an internal crisis, divided into two factions, with Abure leading one faction and Senator Nenadi Usman leading the other.
Baba-Ahmed’s presence at the meeting was notable, given that he, along with most elected lawmakers, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, and the party’s 2023 flag bearer Peter Obi, have traditionally identified with the Usman-led faction.
However, Baba-Ahmed explained that he attended the meeting as a peacemaker, aiming to reconcile divergent opinions within the party.
“I am here as a peacemaker and I am also here to reconcile divergent opinions,” Baba-Ahmed said.
He emphasised his commitment to the Labour Party, despite attending meetings of an opposition coalition against the ruling party.
Baba-Ahmed likened his attendance at the coalition meetings to attending a neighbourhood discussion on security, stating that one must attend but could also restore themselves to their former position if other matters are discussed.
Baba-Ahmed reaffirmed his membership in the Labour Party, saying, “Yes, I still remain in the Labour Party.”
The NEC meeting commended Baba-Ahmed for identifying with the Abure-led leadership, despite his association with the opposing faction.
The Labour Party’s internal crisis has led to a division between the Abure and Usman-led factions.
The party’s leadership dispute has raised questions about its unity and future prospects.
Baba-Ahmed’s attendance at the Abure-led NEC meeting may be seen as an attempt to bridge the gap between the two factions or a shift in his allegiance.
