Datti Baba-Ahmed, a former vice presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has pitched his tent with the Julius Abure-led faction of the opposition party.

Mr Baba-Ahmed, the running mate to Peter Obi, the LP’s presidential flag bearer in the 2023 general election, appeared at the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the Abure faction in Abuja on Monday.

Speaking at the meeting, Mr Baba-Ahmed said he was ready to reconcile Mr Obi and other disgruntled stakeholders in the LP to rebuild the party ahead of the 2027 elections.

He explained that those who have walked away from the LP have forgotten the history that it recorded, stating that there is a need to bring everyone back.

“Labour Party is not a party to walk away from. The successes and the history that the Labour Party of Nigeria has recorded are unique and unprecedented, he said.

“We presented clear records and evidence of 10 million votes scored in the last election, thereafter reduced to 6.1 million votes, and that Labour Party is not a party to walk away from,” Mr Datti added.

He explained he has decided to join the Abure-led faction of the party to ensure peace and stability within the opposition party.

Mr Baba-Ahmed stated that the act of “state capture is a more onerous task causing disunity and disaffection within political parties after the tragedy of 2023.” He said that despite the promise of good governance by both past and present leaders, the country remained underdeveloped.

“A lot of water has passed under the bridge, and I’m here as a loyal party member. I’m here as a peacemaker and also here to reconcile divergent opinions.

“I’m very proud to say that I did attend meetings of a certain attempt for a coalition in Nigeria. Morally speaking, if your neighbourhood invites you to discuss security, you must attend.

“However, if you attend and they discuss other matters besides that, you are at liberty to restore yourself to your former position.

“I have attended, and I have listened to the coalition attempts, yet I remain in the Labour Party. I am not one to sleepwalk into any political arrangements,” the politician stated.

Mr Baba-Ahmed’s sudden appearance with the Abure-led faction of the party has sparked concerns, as the opposition party is battling a leadership crisis.

The crisis has led to the party producing two parallel factions, with Mr Abure leading one and the erstwhile minister of finance, Island Nenadi, leading the other as an interim national chairman.

Meanwhile, Mr Abure said NEC approved congresses at state, local government, and ward levels, in line with the party constitution and applicable laws.

He commended Mr Baba-Ahmed for supporting the leadership and declaring his intention to contest in 2027.