In a surprising development, the Labour Party (LP) has reportedly distanced itself from its 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, while endorsing Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed as its candidate for the 2027 presidential election.
This decision, made during a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting led by the Julius Abure faction in Abuja on July 21, 2025, has ignited significant discussion within Nigeria’s political arena.
Sources suggest that the Abure-led LP criticized Obi and Otti for their alleged participation in an “illegal” NEC meeting held on April 9, 2025, in Abuja, which the party leadership deemed unconstitutional.
The faction accused the two of jeopardizing the party’s unity, with some leaders pointing to Otti’s remarks about a potential “doomsday” for the Abure leadership as a direct threat.
Despite their roles in elevating the party’s profile during the 2023 elections, where Obi garnered over six million votes, the LP seems to be shifting its focus to Baba-Ahmed, Obi’s former running mate, as a new leader for its 2027 campaign.
Baba-Ahmed, a politician from Kaduna and founder of Baze University, has been outspoken about his vision for a new direction for Nigeria.
His recent comments on Arise Television, where he stated that Obi should not accept a vice-presidential position in any coalition, may have increased his appeal within the party.
“The real coalition is of votes at the ballot box,” Baba-Ahmed stressed, emphasizing his commitment to grassroots support rather than political alliances.
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The endorsement of Baba-Ahmed has raised questions, especially considering Obi’s lasting popularity and Otti’s praised governance in Abia.
Critics argue that this move could exacerbate internal divisions within the LP, with some questioning the legitimacy of the Abure-led faction’s authority.
On the other hand, Baba-Ahmed’s supporters view him as a principled leader capable of unifying the party and challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.
As the LP navigates this challenging period, political analysts suggest that the endorsement represents a strategic shift, potentially aimed at consolidating support in northern Nigeria, where Baba-Ahmed originates.
However, with rumors of Obi exploring options with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition, the LP’s bet on Baba-Ahmed could either revitalize the party or deepen its divisions as the next election cycle approaches.
The Labour Party has not yet issued an official statement regarding the endorsement, leaving uncertainty about the future of Obi, Otti, and the party’s trajectory.
