The warning followed public discussions linked to comments credited to the party’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, which sparked talks about a possible 2027 presidential ambition. Although Baba-Ahmed later said he had not formally declared interest, the situation added to the ongoing internal disagreements within the party. This development came weeks after the party’s former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, moved to the African Democratic Congress.
The factional national leadership loyal to Governor Otti stated that the Labour Party had not started any official process for the 2027 election cycle. Through her media aide, Senator Nenadi Usman said the party had not opened nominations and that any move towards choosing candidates must wait until the proper time and follow party rules as well as electoral guidelines. She noted that the Independent National Electoral Commission had not released an election timetable or allowed campaigns to begin.
At the same time, the Labour Party Board of Trustees linked to the Nigeria Labour Congress rejected any attempt by Baba-Ahmed to pursue a presidential ambition through the Abure-led National Working Committee. A member of the board, Lawson Osagie, said the tenure of the Abure leadership had ended and argued that the electoral body no longer recognised that structure. He also referred to past court decisions which, according to him, confirmed that the leadership had expired.
Concerns were also raised about Baba-Ahmed’s continued appearance at activities organised by the Abure faction, including a recent rally at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja. That event renewed debate about the future direction of the party and its leadership.
Baba-Ahmed later clarified his position during a television interview, saying reports of a declaration were inaccurate. He explained that he only reaffirmed his membership of the Labour Party and stated that any future ambition would depend on the release of INEC’s timetable and the party’s official guidelines. He also blamed social media for spreading confusion and called for careful reporting.
Overall, the warnings from the NLC-backed board and the Otti-aligned faction show that deep divisions remain within the Labour Party as discussions around 2027 continue, with both groups insisting that due process must come before any talk of candidates.