- Faction Rules Out Joining Coalition
DATTI Baba-Ahmed, Labour Party’s (LP) 2023 vice presidential candidate, has expressed interest in contesting the 2027 elections, stating that LP is not a party to abandon.
He disclosed this on Monday in Abuja following the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the Abure-led faction of the Labour Party.
According to Baba-Ahmed, he considers himself a committed son of the party with a unique aim to unite presently divided members.
“Labour Party is not one to desert. Its achievements and history in Nigerian politics are both unique and unprecedented.
“We presented evidence of scoring 10 million votes in the last election, although it was later reduced to 6.1 million. For that reason, I remain. I repeat, Labour Party is not one to walk away from,” he said.
He described state capture as a more serious challenge than political disunity within parties.
Reflecting on 2023, Baba-Ahmed said Nigerians were promised governance but instead received constant political manoeuvring within and across regions.
“Much has happened since then. I return as a loyal party member, a peacemaker, and someone ready to reconcile differing views,” he said.
He expressed pride in attending meetings aimed at forming coalitions to strengthen national security.
“Morally, if your neighbours invite you to discuss security, you must attend. However, if the discussions shift, you reserve the right to return to your original position,” Baba-Ahmed stated.
He stressed he had listened to coalition proposals but remained in Labour Party, adding that he refused to enter political arrangements blindly.
Baba-Ahmed urged all well-meaning party members to avoid being led into uncomfortable political compromises.
He reaffirmed his commitment to reconciling all opposing views within the Labour Party, “as a responsible leader should.”
Though aware of internal challenges and factions, he said his goal is to unite all members under a shared purpose.
He emphasised that his efforts were free of personal ambition, selfish interests, or resentment toward any group.
Earlier, factional National Chairman of the party, Julius Abure, said the NEC praised Baba-Ahmed for aligning with the party leadership and declaring his 2027 interest.
Party Rules Out Joining Coalition
Meanwhile, the Abure-led faction of the Labour Party has declared it will not join any political coalition for the 2027 General Elections.
Mr Abure stated this at the media briefing following the factional National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on Monday in Abuja.
The factional NEC resolutions were signed by Abure, and the factional National Secretary, Alh. Farouk Ibrahim.
Abure said the NEC meeting was attended by the factional National Working Committee (NWC) members, national officers, and Sen. Datti Baba-Ahmed, LP 2023 Vice Presidential candidate.
Abure said: “NEC in session reiterates that Labour Party will not be part of any coalition for the 2027 general election.
“NEC believes the 2023 coalition was more impactful than any other. We will rebuild, reconcile, and consolidate the gains of that election.
“The Labour Party is ideologically distinct, with programmes and philosophy that address Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges.
“We therefore cannot align with politically spent forces who previously mismanaged the nation’s resources and opportunities.”
He added that NEC condemned a parallel meeting held by a faction of the party at Transcorp on Friday, July 18.
He stated the meeting violated the Labour Party Constitution and was not officially sanctioned.
“NEC disassociates from the meeting’s outcomes, including the renaming of the illegal Umuahia Caretaker Committee as an Interim National Working Committee.
“Illegality cannot be legitimised by rebranding. The so-called Interim NWC remains unlawful,” he said.
Abure explained that Article 14(4)(B) of the Constitution empowers only the National Secretary, with the Chairman’s approval, to convene meetings.
He insisted that there is no leadership vacuum in the Labour Party, adding that the party held its National Convention on March 27 in Nnewi, following all legal frameworks and party rules.
“The Supreme Court validated the convention through its ruling delivered on April 4,” he said.
Abure therefore urged INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu, to respect the Supreme Court ruling and related legal opinions.
“Based on this, NEC urges the public to disregard the so-called meeting and its resolutions.
“NEC reaffirms confidence in the Julius Abure-led National Working Committee and calls for continued loyalty to party leadership,” he said.
Abure said NEC also approved congresses at state, local government, and ward levels, in line with the party Constitution and applicable laws.
He commended Baba-Ahmed for supporting the leadership and declaring his intention to contest in 2027. (NAN)
