Peter Obi Was Fully Aware Before My NEC Meeting Appearance – Datti Baba-Ahmed

Former vice-presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has clarified that his recent appearance at a National Executive Council meeting convened by Julius Abure was made with the full knowledge of the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

According to iReporter Online, Baba-Ahmed made the disclosure during a live interview aired on Arise TV, stating that Obi did not oppose his participation in the gathering, which has been a source of controversy amid the Labour Party’s ongoing internal leadership crisis.

Baba-Ahmed explained that Obi had been preoccupied with several obligations, including attending the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari in Daura and managing other personal and political matters. He emphasized that although Obi may not always give explicit instructions, he is consistently informed and supportive of his decisions.

“Peter Obi’s cup is full,” Baba-Ahmed said. “Maybe he’s too modest to directly assign certain roles to me, but he is always in the loop. He trusts my judgement, and I keep him updated. He had no objection to my attending the meeting.”

He further suggested that had their joint ticket succeeded in the 2023 presidential election, there would naturally have been responsibilities that would fall under his purview. His recent actions, he noted, reflect what that partnership would have entailed.

The Labour Party remains engulfed in factional disputes, with two rival factions laying claim to the party’s leadership. While Julius Abure continues to assert authority as chairman, many within the party argue that his tenure has expired, and a court order has reportedly restrained him from acting as chairman. An alternative leadership led by interim chairman Nenadi Usman has also emerged, deepening divisions within the party.