A prominent figure in Nigeria’s Labour Party has stepped forward to mediate internal divisions threatening the party’s unity ahead of the 2027 general elections. Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, the party’s former vice-presidential candidate, held talks on Monday with Julius Abure, a factional leader serving as the party’s National Chairman, and his allies in Abuja. During the meeting, Baba-Ahmed committed to spearheading efforts to resolve prolonged disputes that have weakened the party’s cohesion since its performance in the 2023 polls.
The Labour Party, which gained significant visibility during Nigeria’s 2023 elections, has struggled with infighting over leadership and strategy. Reports indicate tensions escalated after the elections, with rival groups disagreeing on the party’s direction. The conflict has raised concerns about its ability to mobilize effectively for future electoral contests, underscoring the urgency of reconciliation efforts.
The latest intervention arrives weeks after Peter Obi, the party’s presidential candidate in 2023, publicly endorsed a cross-party alliance with the African Democratic Congress (ADC). While Obi’s move signaled a potential shift in political strategy, critics warned it could deepen fractures within the Labour Party if internal disputes remained unresolved. Observers now view Baba-Ahmed’s outreach as a critical counterbalance, aiming to stabilize the party’s core before exploring broader coalitions.
Baba-Ahmed, a former senator known for his advocacy of structural reforms, emphasized the need for unity during Monday’s discussions. While details of the talks remain undisclosed, sources close to the party suggest the dialogue focused on rebuilding trust among factions and aligning priorities for upcoming elections. The Labour Party’s internal challenges mirror broader struggles within Nigerian opposition politics, where leadership disputes and shifting alliances often overshadow policy debates.
Political analysts note that the party’s ability to regroup could shape its role in Nigeria’s evolving democracy, particularly as voters increasingly demand alternatives to the dominant All Progressives Congress and People’s Democratic Party. With nearly three years until the next general elections, the success of reconciliation efforts may determine whether the Labour Party can consolidate its gains from 2023 or risk fading into political irrelevance. For now, stakeholders within and outside Nigeria are watching closely to see if dialogue can translate into sustained unity.
