Prosper Okoye
The vice presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Datti Baba-Ahmed, has called on former presidential candidate Peter Obi to formally resign from the party and return his membership card after joining the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition.
Speaking on Friday on a local television program, Datti said he had not heard Obi explicitly announce a defection and emphasised that party rules require a resignation letter. “I never heard him say defecting to ADC. Maybe I missed it, but please find out if he said joining the coalition or joining ADC,” he said.
Datti added that Obi would still be welcome back to the Labour Party if he did not secure a ticket with the ADC. He also clarified that he has not declared interest in the 2027 presidential election, dismissing speculation that he had.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe comments come days after Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, joined the ADC coalition in Enugu alongside several South-East leaders. At the event, Obi said the move aimed to foster “proper socio-economic development that will be unifying and inclusive.”
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Analysts say Datti’s insistence on formal resignation highlights the importance of party rules and loyalty, especially as the Labour Party navigates defections and internal disagreements ahead of the 2027 elections. “It is a reminder that procedural clarity still matters in Nigerian politics, even for high-profile figures,” said Chukwuemeka Nwosu, a political analyst in Lagos.
Despite Obi’s coalition move, Datti expressed confidence in the Labour Party. He described it as “big enough to challenge for Nigeria’s exalted seat” and said it remains a viable platform for presidential ambitions.
Labour Party Wishes Peter Obi Well
The Labour Party has also affirmed Abia State Governor Alex Otti as its national leader and wished Peter Obi success in his new political path with the ADC.
The party’s National Secretary, Darlington Nwokocha, announced the decision in a communique following a meeting of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) on Wednesday.
The meeting addressed the party’s strategic direction, stability, and growth ahead of upcoming elections.
“The NWC, in a unanimous decision, affirmed its recognition of His Excellency, Governor Alex Chioma Otti, as the National Leader of the Labour Party,” the communique read. “The National leadership of the Labour Party wishes His Excellency Mr. Peter Obi well in his future political endeavours and in his new political party.”
The NWC also recognised former Finance Minister Nenadi Usman as the party’s national chairman and confirmed that all congresses and the national convention will proceed in line with the Labour Party Constitution and relevant court rulings.
The party thanked its members and Nigerians for their continued support, describing the LP as united, indivisible, and committed to promoting social justice, equal opportunity, and good governance.
