A prominent Nigerian opposition figure has defended his participation in a meeting organized by a faction of the Labour Party, framing it as an essential step to mend internal divisions. Dr. Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, who ran as vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 elections alongside Peter Obi, emphasized during a televised interview that his attendance at the gathering led by Julius Abure’s faction was guided by principle and a “doctrine of necessity” to unify the party.
Speaking on Channels TV’s Morning Brief, Baba-Ahmed described the move as a responsibility to address fractures within the Labour Party, which has faced public infighting since its third-place finish in last year’s presidential race. “I rose to the challenge,” he stated, stressing that the meeting aimed to reconcile competing groups and solidify the party’s democratic role. He dismissed claims that his actions lacked broader consensus, asserting, “Every little step I take, concerned parties are aware,” though he declined to detail internal coordination processes.
Criticism emerged from the Obidient movement, a grassroots support base linked to Peter Obi, after its spokesperson, Dr. Tanko Yunusa, claimed unawareness of Baba-Ahmed’s reconciliation efforts. The former vice-presidential candidate countered that he communicates directly with Obi, the party’s presidential flagbearer, suggesting the leader’s busy schedule might explain Yunusa’s lack of information. “I relate with our boss, His Excellency Peter Obi, and he is aware,” Baba-Ahmed clarified.
He rejected interpretations of his engagement as legitimizing factionalism, framing it instead as a pragmatic effort to stabilize the party ahead of future elections. “These factions only exist on the pages of the dashed hopes for Nigerian democrats,” he argued, attributing the divisions to external interference in the party’s operations. The Labour Party, once seen as a rising force challenging Nigeria’s dominant political blocs, has struggled with leadership disputes since Abure’s faction clashed with a rival group led by Lamidi Apapa earlier this year.
Baba-Ahmed positioned himself as a mediator, calling for inclusive dialogue to resolve the crisis. “The way forward is simple: I called for all parties to talk. When that happens, the press will get the headlines,” he said, describing his role as a “positive catalyst.” His remarks underscore deepening challenges within opposition ranks as Nigeria approaches critical governorship elections in 2024, with analysts noting that unresolved internal strife could weaken the party’s capacity to mobilize its base.
