Baba-Ahmed: Obi Still in Labour Party as INEC Endorses NEC Meeting

 

A former vice-presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Dr. Datti Baba-Ahmed, on Friday affirmed that former Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi, remains a bona fide member of the party despite renewed speculation over his political direction.

Speaking with reporters after the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja — which was witnessed by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) — Baba-Ahmed dismissed claims that Obi had dumped the LP.

“To the best of our knowledge, our brother, His Excellency Peter Obi, is still a member of the Labour Party. Nothing has changed. If he were here now, I would even shift my seat to the left for him,” he said.

He stated that the party had weathered its internal storms and was regaining stability, adding that INEC’s presence at the meeting was a significant morale boost.

“The Labour Party has not diminished in any way. We have only grown. Yes, we went through difficult moments, as is normal with political organisations, but we have emerged stronger.

“The highlight of this NEC meeting is the presence of INEC, which validates this sitting and confirms that we remain committed to the rule of law,” he added.

Baba-Ahmed said the meeting marked a renewed effort toward reconciliation, stressing that he remained a loyal member dedicated to welcoming both old and returning members ahead of the political tasks ahead.

Commenting on rising insecurity, he reminded Nigerians that the LP had earlier warned that instability would worsen if the wrong leadership choices were made.

“Only two days ago, a state of national emergency was declared. We warned that this could happen — and now it is happening. We are seeing mass abductions and senior military officers being killed,” he said. “These would never have happened if the Labour Party had formed the government.”

He further stressed that LP would continue to prioritise workers’ welfare, noting that decent and realistic living wages remain central to its ideology.

Friday’s NEC meeting, chaired by National Chairman Julius Abure, was part of ongoing efforts to resolve the leadership crisis triggered by the controversial 2024 national convention in Nnewi, which fractured the party into rival blocs aligned with different prominent figures, including Obi and Abia State Governor Alex Otti.