Confusion deepened within the Labour Party (LP) on Monday as its 2023 vice presidential candidate, Dr. Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, made a dramatic appearance at the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the Julius Abure-led faction, days after also showing presence at a meeting convened by a parallel faction loyal to Senator Nenadi Usman.

Datti’s double attendance has sparked speculation within party ranks about his true political allegiance and reignited concerns about the Labour Party’s future as it prepares for coalition talks ahead of the 2027 elections.

In his address to the Abure-led NEC in Abuja, Datti declared unwavering loyalty to the party and pledged to reconcile its deeply fractured leadership. “I remain in the Labour Party because I believe in its mission. I am here as a loyal member, a peacemaker, and a reconciler,” he said, adding that the party is “not one to walk away from.”

However, party insiders say his earlier presence at the Nenadi Usman-led meeting has raised questions about whether the 2023 vice presidential candidate is playing a dual game or attempting to keep his options open in the face of increasing political uncertainty.

While Datti insisted that his involvement in coalition talks was in good faith and motivated by concerns over national security, he cautioned against being “led blindly into political arrangements,” drawing applause from some quarters but receiving side glances from others.

“You must not sleepwalk into alliances you don’t fully understand,” he warned. “We’ve removed governments before, but what followed was worse. It’s the kind of leadership that comes after that matters most.”

Tensions escalated further when some leaders within the Abure camp interpreted Datti’s remarks as a subtle dig at both factions and a veiled suggestion that LP might not be able to go it alone in 2027.

A party chieftain, who preferred not to be named, said: “There’s nothing wrong with Datti trying to unite us, but you can’t fraternise with two opposing factions and expect not to raise suspicion. He must come clean.”

Speaking more pointedly, a senior Labour Party official cautioned: “The Constitution is clear. You cannot belong to two political families at once. Even the Bible says you cannot be hot and cold at the same time.”

Meanwhile, questions have also arisen over the loyalty of other prominent figures, including FCT Senator Ireti Kingibe, whose position in the party remains unclear. “She would be in a better position to answer whether she’s still in the party,” one LP leader stated curtly.

The confusion is unfolding against the backdrop of ongoing discussions about a possible mega-coalition to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027. Although Peter Obi has not publicly spoken on recent developments, Datti confirmed during the NEC meeting that his former running mate remains with the Labour Party—a statement some read as damage control.

“I come before you not just as a member, but as a loyal son of this great movement, standing firm in my belief that the Labour Party is not a party to walk away from.

“Our journey has been historic. The achievements of the Labour Party, particularly in the 2023 general elections, remain unprecedented. We presented clear evidence of having polled over 10 million votes—a feat unmatched by any third force in Nigeria’s democratic history. Though reduced in post-election adjustments, those votes represented the voice of Nigerians for change.

“What we face today, however, is not merely a political challenge but the far more dangerous threat of state capture, which is far worse than any internal divisions or political disagreements. After the tragedy of the 2023 elections, Nigeria was promised good governance. Instead, what we have witnessed is continuous political manipulation within government, across regions, and sadly, even within parties.

“Despite these trials, I stand here today as a peacemaker and a reconciler. I have participated in meetings aimed at building a broader coalition for Nigeria’s future. Let me say this: when your neighbours invite you to discuss insecurity in your community, it is only right and moral that you attend. However, if those discussions stray into territory that is misaligned with your principles, you are also right to return to your original position.

“That is what I have done. I attended those coalition meetings, I listened, and I returned—because I remain fully committed to the Labour Party. I am not one to sleepwalk into any political arrangement. I urge all members of our party to remain vigilant. We must not allow ourselves to be led into alliances or decisions that do not align with our vision or values.

“Indeed, coalitions in the past have succeeded in removing governments, but we must ask: what came after? We saw how the wrong kind of leadership followed. Therefore, it is not just about removing a government; it is about the kind of government we seek to build afterwards.

“In the next three years, our duty is clear: to put our house in order and stay united. We must learn from the past, and we must act with clarity and conviction toward the future.”

Speaking on INEC’s reluctance to recognise Abure, he said, “I recognise all that has happened within our party. I acknowledge the existing leadership under Barr. Julius Abure and the parallel claims of the Nenadi-led group. I also recognise the position of INEC in relation to the Julius Abure-led leadership.”

“I remain in the Labour Party because I believe in its mission,” he said. “I am here as a loyal member, a peacemaker, and a reconciler. I am determined to bring everyone—no matter their current position—back to the table.

“Nonetheless, my mission is to reconcile all divergent opinions in the Labour Party, because that is what a truly democratic and diverse party does. I repeat: I come with no personal ambition, no hidden interest, and no animosity toward anyone.

“I am encouraged that my principal in the 2023 elections, His Excellency Peter Obi, has reaffirmed his commitment to the Labour Party. This is a moment for unity, not division.

“Let us come together, sit as brothers and sisters, understand each other better, and move forward—stronger, wiser, and more prepared to rescue Nigeria.”

Labour Party National Chairman, Barrister Julius Abure, issued a stern warning to members fraternising with rival political camps, insisting that the party will not condone double loyalty or political “romancing” as it battles internal divisions and prepares for the 2027 general elections.

Abure indicated that while the Nigerian Constitution guarantees freedom of association, no one can simultaneously belong to two political platforms—politically or ideologically.

“Every Nigerian has a constitutional right to associate with any political group. That said, both the Constitution of Nigeria and that of our party are very clear—you cannot belong to two political parties at the same time,” Abure said pointedly. “Even the Bible says you cannot be hot and cold at the same time. We are watching those who are romancing. At the appropriate time, the party organs will take a decision.”

Though he did not name anyone directly, his comments appear to reference recent moves by some high-profile members—including the party’s 2023 vice presidential candidate, Dr. Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed—who have participated in activities involving both the Abure-led and the rival Nenadi Usman factions, while also engaging in broader coalition discussions.

Abure’s remarks came on the heels of growing internal unrest following Datti’s efforts to position himself as a unifying figure between the two factions. While Datti has insisted that his engagement is driven by a desire for peace and party unity, Abure made it clear that the party leadership will not overlook mixed signals.

“Our party believes in legality. We believe in the spirit and letter of the Labour Party Constitution, and in the Nigerian Constitution as well,” Abure stressed. “Let me say clearly—legality does not give way to illegality. The courts have reaffirmed our constitution and the leadership elected in 2024 at our national convention in Nnewi. Any so-called leader outside that process is not only illegitimate—they are illegal.”

Despite the tough rhetoric, the chairman extended an olive branch to dissenters, urging them to return to the fold.

“Our doors are open. We urge those on the other side to sheathe their swords and come back home. If they do so and apologise, we are ready to forgive them. Because in truth, there is no victor in a divided house,” he said.

Abure also dodged questions about the loyalty of FCT Senator Ireti Kingibe, who has been linked to opposition activities and has not publicly affirmed her current party status. “She would be in a better position to answer that question,” he said bluntly, adding, “Find her.”

The chairman concluded by calling for unity rooted in party discipline and lawfulness, before handing over to Dr. Datti Baba-Ahmed, who also addressed the gathering.

He rejected the outcome of a recent parallel National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on Friday, July 18, describing it as “illegal, unconstitutional, and a violation of the Electoral Act,” while firmly distancing the party from any plans to join a political coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In his address, Abure said the NEC reviewed the events of the July 18 factional meeting and categorically disassociated the party from what he called “an illegal gathering that sought to rename and recycle an already disbanded illegal caretaker committee.”

“No matter how illegality is redesigned or renamed, it can never become legal,” Abure declared. “Renaming an illegal committee as an ‘interim national working committee’ does not make it legitimate.”

Abure cited Article 44(b) of the LP Constitution and Section 82(1)(2)(a) of the Electoral Act 2022, which stipulate that only the National Chairman and Secretary are authorised to convene and notify INEC of any official meeting, convention, or congress. He stated that the Friday meeting violated these provisions and should therefore be disregarded by party members and the public.

He reaffirmed that the current leadership of the party emerged from a lawful national convention held in Tuni, Anambra State, on March 27, 2024, which the Supreme Court upheld on April 4, 2025. “There is no vacuum in the leadership of the party,” Abure emphasised.