Dr. Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed Seeks Unity in Labour Party, Defends Meeting with Abure-Led Faction, Peter Obi Fully Aware

 

Dr. Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, the Labour Party's former vice-presidential candidate, has offered a robust defense of his decision to attend a recent meeting organized by the Julius Abure-led faction of the party. Speaking on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Wednesday, Baba-Ahmed framed his presence at the gathering as a deliberate and thoughtful step aimed at healing internal divisions and fostering genuine reconciliation among warring interests within the Labour Party.

He described his decision as a matter of both principle and responsibility. Citing what he referred to as a "doctrine of necessity", Baba-Ahmed asserted that stepping forward at this time was not only right, but critically important for the future of the party and the democratic fabric of the country.

"I rose to the challenge," he declared firmly. "It became necessary. The doctrine of necessity. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that and everything right in it."

The meeting, convened by the Julius Abure-led camp, has generated varied reactions, especially among supporters of the Obidient movement and within other factions of the Labour Party. Critics have questioned the legitimacy of engaging with one faction over others, and some have accused Baba-Ahmed of acting independently and without wide consultation. He rejected those claims outright.

He emphasized that his steps are always coordinated with key individuals in the party, particularly with the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi. “I assure you that every little step I take, concerned parties are aware,” he stated. “I don’t need to get too much into our internal operations, but everyone that has to do with anything that I do is concerned and is aware.”

Baba-Ahmed also responded directly to comments made by Dr. Tanko Yunusa, a spokesperson for the Obidient movement, who had suggested that the group was not informed about any reconciliation efforts. Rather than offer a detailed back-and-forth, Baba-Ahmed clarified that he does not communicate through intermediaries and instead maintains direct contact with Mr. Obi.

“I don’t talk to Mr. Tanko. I relate with our boss, His Excellency Peter Obi, and he is aware. He probably has been too busy to update the team around him,” he said.

Rejecting the notion that his actions represented an alignment with any one group or recognition of factionalism, Baba-Ahmed insisted that the party must move beyond superficial splits if it hopes to fulfill its promise as a genuine political alternative in Nigeria. He argued that media narratives and internal wrangling have only served to weaken the party’s progress.

“These factions only exist on the pages of the dashed hopes for Nigerian democrats. They have interfered in our activities, that is what happened,” he remarked.

He further explained that the objective of his engagement was never to deepen factional divides but to create space for honest and inclusive dialogue. According to him, the Labour Party needs healing and unity now more than ever, particularly as it positions itself ahead of future elections and works to consolidate its base.

“I am just a positive catalyst,” he said with calm determination. “The way forward is simple: I called for all parties to get together and talk. When that happens, the press will get the headlines of what was discussed. I’m just trying to make that conversation happen.”

Throughout the interview, Baba-Ahmed remained measured yet firm. His tone reflected a sense of duty, urgency, and clarity of purpose. He acknowledged the deepening concerns about Labour Party’s internal coherence, yet maintained that recovery is possible if party leaders act boldly and decisively.

His statements appear to mark a pivotal moment for the Labour Party. With tensions simmering and key figures taking positions, Baba-Ahmed’s intervention might just be the nudge needed to initiate a genuine reconciliation process. His insistence that dialogue and collaboration remain the only way forward signals a desire to return the party to its foundational ideals, unity, purpose, and service to the Nigerian people.

Whether or not his efforts will yield lasting results remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed is not retreating from the political stage, and he is determined to play his part in salvaging what he believes is a crucial national movement.