Peter Obi Still a Labour Party Member, Says Datti Baba-Ahmed
The 2023 Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, Dr. Datti Baba-Ahmed, has reaffirmed that former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, remains a member of the Labour Party despite widespread speculation and online debates suggesting otherwise. Baba-Ahmed made the statement while addressing journalists shortly after the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Abuja. The session, which was monitored by representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), was described by party officials as a major step toward resolving internal disputes and strengthening party unity.
Baba-Ahmed said there was no formal indication that Obi had withdrawn his membership from the party, stressing that the former presidential candidate remains part of the Labour Party structure. “To the best of our knowledge, our brother, His Excellency Peter Obi, is still a member of the Labour Party. Nothing has changed,” he told reporters. He added humorously that if Obi were present at the meeting, he would have adjusted his seat to make room for him, signaling camaraderie and continuity.
The NEC meeting was framed by party leaders as a turning point, particularly after months of internal disagreements and factional tensions that had drawn national attention. According to Baba-Ahmed, the Labour Party had endured a difficult period marked by legal battles, leadership disputes, and public misunderstandings, but he insisted that the party was emerging stronger. “The Labour Party has not reduced in any way. We have only increased in numbers. As is normal with political associations, we went through rough times and have emerged from it,” he said.
Related News
Henry Seriake Dickson Defects from PDP to Newly Formed Nigeria Democratic Congress
Senator Henry Seriake Dickson has formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the newly registered Nigeria Democratic Congress…
Hon. Sarah Ivie Adidi Receives “Her Excellence Award” During International Women’s Day Event in Abuja
Reps aspirant Sarah Ivie Adidi has been honoured with the 2026 “Her Excellence Award” during an event marking International Women’s…
Governor Peter Mbah Urges Ndigbo to Return to Strategic Politics
Peter Mbah, Governor of Enugu State, has urged the Igbo political class to return to what he described as “strategic…
He further highlighted the presence of INEC officials as a key validation of the NEC gathering, suggesting that their attendance reinforced the legitimacy of the meeting and the decisions reached. “The highlight and major turning point of this NEC meeting is the presence of INEC, which validates this sitting and justifies our presence here. As law-abiding citizens, we strictly go by what the law provides,” he stated.
Baba-Ahmed described the current phase as one of renewed reconciliation, emphasizing that the party was open to welcoming both returning and new members as preparations for future elections intensify. He added that he was personally committed to supporting unity within the party and strengthening its capacity to compete nationally.
Public reactions to his statement, however, reflected deep divisions among political supporters and observers across online platforms. Some commenters expressed confusion about Peter Obi’s political direction, noting various reports linking him to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and other political blocs. Critics argued that his alleged involvement in multiple political negotiations suggested indecision, with some claiming this could weaken his influence ahead of the 2027 elections.
A number of contributors mocked the shifting political alignments surrounding Obi, suggesting that his perceived hesitation between parties was creating uncertainty among his supporters. Some commenters drew parallels with past political strategies in Nigeria, arguing that overreliance on regional, religious, or emotional platforms may not secure long-term political success.
Others defended Obi, insisting that he was better positioned to remain within the Labour Party, which they believe still provides the strongest platform for his political ambitions. Some argued that any speculation of a switch to ADC or other parties was an attempt by rivals to create confusion within the opposition space. A few contributors maintained that Obi’s political moves—whether deliberate or unclear—still cause significant concern among his opponents due to his influence among younger voters and reform-minded groups.
Additional reactions questioned the internal politics of the Labour Party itself, including concerns over the role of party chairman Julius Abure and the impact of cross-party alliances involving key political figures. Some commenters expressed fear that unresolved disputes could weaken the party’s ability to present a united front ahead of the next election cycle.
Despite the polarized views, Baba-Ahmed’s statement appears aimed at stabilizing the party narrative by reinforcing that, officially, Peter Obi remains a Labour Party member. Whether this resolves public speculation or fuels further political debate remains to be seen, particularly as political realignments accelerate ahead of 2027.