Peter Obi is still a Labour Party member–Datti

On Jul 22, 2025

Maureen Aguta

The Vice Presidential candidate of Labour Party in the 2023 elections, Dr Datti-Baba Ahmed has said that Peter Obi is still a member of the Labour Party.

This came as the Abure-led faction of the Labour Party has invited members who have been associating with other political parties to return, emphasizing forgiveness and unity.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Monday following the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, National Chairman Julius Abure extended an olive branch to those members, urging them to recommit to the party’s vision.

Abure said, “Our doors are wide open for those who wish to return, provided they acknowledge their actions.” He clarified that while Nigerians are free to engage with any group or party, the Labour Party’s constitution and Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution prohibit simultaneous membership in multiple political parties. “We are monitoring those engaging with other parties, and at the right time, the party’s organs will make decisions,” he warned, adding, “But for now, we invite them to return, apologize, and be forgiven. In our party, there is no victor or vanquished.”

Addressing speculations about internal divisions, Datti Baba-Ahmed, the party’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate, reaffirmed that former presidential candidate Peter Obi remains a committed member. “Peter Obi participated in coalition talks, but a coalition is not a political party. To my knowledge, he has not joined the ADC,” Baba-Ahmed said.

He emphasized the party’s unity, declaring, “There is no crack in the Labour Party, and by God’s grace, there never will be. We are stronger together.”

Baba-Ahmed highlighted the party’s historic achievements, urging Nigerians to continue supporting its vision. “The Labour Party has achieved what no other party has in Nigeria’s political history. It’s not a party to abandon,” he said.

Looking toward the 2027 elections and beyond, he expressed his commitment to reconciliation, stating, “As a loyal member, my goal is to bring all members together, and that’s what I’m working toward.”

The call for unity comes as the Labour Party seeks to consolidate its position and rally support.