News Update
In a surprising turn of events, the Labour Party (LP) has reportedly distanced itself from its 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, while endorsing Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed as its flag bearer for the 2027 presidential election.
The decision, announced during a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting led by the Julius Abure faction in Abuja on July 21, 2025, has sparked widespread debate within Nigeria’s political landscape.
Sources indicate that the Abure-led LP condemned Obi and Otti for their alleged involvement in an “illegal” NEC meeting held on April 9, 2025, in Abuja, which the party leadership deemed unconstitutional.
The faction accused the duo of undermining the party’s unity, with some leaders citing Otti’s comments about a potential “doomsday” for the Abure leadership as a direct threat.
Despite their contributions to the party’s prominence in the 2023 elections, where Obi secured over six million votes, the LP appears to be pivoting toward Baba-Ahmed, Obi’s former running mate, as a fresh face to lead its 2027 campaign.
Baba-Ahmed, a Kaduna-born politician and founder of Baze University, has been vocal about his belief in a new direction for Nigeria.
His recent statements on Arise Television, where he argued that Obi should not settle for a vice-presidential role in any coalition, may have bolstered his appeal within the party.
“The real coalition is of votes at the ballot box,” Baba-Ahmed emphasized, highlighting his focus on grassroots support over political alliances.
The decision to endorse Baba-Ahmed has raised eyebrows, particularly given Obi’s enduring popularity and Otti’s acclaimed governance in Abia. Critics argue the move could deepen the LP’s internal divisions, with some questioning the legitimacy of the Abure-led faction’s authority.
Meanwhile, Baba-Ahmed’s supporters see him as a principled leader capable of unifying the party and challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.
As the LP navigates this turbulent period, political analysts suggest the endorsement signals a strategic shift, possibly aiming to consolidate support in northern Nigeria, where Baba-Ahmed hails from.
However, with Obi rumored to be exploring options with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition, the LP’s gamble on Baba-Ahmed could either reinvigorate the party or deepen its fractures ahead of the next election cycle.
The Labour Party has yet to release an official statement clarifying the endorsement, leaving room for speculation about the future of Obi, Otti, and the party’s direction.