In a crucial move to salvage Nigeria’s third-largest political party, former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed has launched a high-stakes reconciliation effort between the party’s fractured leadership. The mediation comes at a critical juncture for the Labour Party, which shocked Nigeria’s political establishment in 2023 by winning 6.1 million presidential votes (down from their initial claim of 10 million) under Peter Obi’s candidacy. Datti met with Julius Abure’s INEC-recognized faction in Abuja this week, pledging to bridge divides with other groups including supporters of Nenadi Usman and to ensure Peter Obi remains central to the party’s future. The peace initiative aims to prevent a collapse that could hand Nigeria’s opposition advantage back to the PDP ahead of the 2027 elections.
Why This Matters
• The Labour Party represents Nigeria’s most credible challenge to APC/PDP dominance
• Internal splits could erase its 2023 gains and reshape 2027 election dynamics
• Outcome will test Peter Obi’s political influence beyond social media popularity
Key Developments
✓ Datti warns against “disastrous” coalition politics while keeping dialogue open
✓ Party must resolve INEC-recognition battle between Abure and Usman factions
✓ Growing pressure on Obi to publicly commit to Labour Party’s rebuilding process
What Next?
→ 72-hour window to gauge if rival factions will attend unity talks
→ Expected statement from Peter Obi on political future within 7 days
→ INEC may intervene if leadership dispute remains unresolved
