ABUJA, Nigeria — The Julius Abure–led faction of the Labour Party has downplayed the impact of former presidential candidate Peter Obi’s recent exit from the party, expressing confidence that Labour Party’s prospects in the 2027 general elections remain intact.
Speaking at a rally at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, National Chairman Julius Abure said the party’s growth and electoral strength could not be attributed to a single individual.
While acknowledging Obi’s role in boosting the party’s profile during the 2023 elections, Abure said the Labour Party’s appeal was the result of a collective effort and widening national acceptance.
“We had already laundered the image of our party, with many influential Nigerians approaching us to join. Some actually joined,” Abure said.
‘Labour Party Bigger Than Any Individual’
Abure cited Abia State Governor Alex Otti as an example of leaders who, he said, joined the party independent of Obi’s influence and have no plans to leave.
He added that the party’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate, Dr. Datti Baba-Ahmed, had also reaffirmed his commitment to the party following Obi’s departure.
“He told me he was not leaving because this was the platform on which we received over 10 million votes, later reduced to six million — we all know what happened,” Abure said.
According to Abure, Baba-Ahmed initially suggested a private consultation with party leaders, but later agreed that a broader engagement involving supporters and grassroots members better reflected the ethos of the party.
“That is why we are meeting here today. The Labour Party belongs to the ordinary people,” he said.
Abure maintained that the party remains united and focused on presenting Nigerians with what he called a credible alternative ahead of future elections.
“The Labour Party is intact. We will not disappoint Nigerians. We will stay together and continue to offer hope,” he said.
Baba-Ahmed Reaffirms Loyalty
Speaking at the event, Datti Baba-Ahmed said his continued membership of the Labour Party was based on principle.
He described the LP as the “most authentic platform” for Nigerians seeking political change.
On speculation about a possible presidential run in 2027, Baba-Ahmed said he would make his intentions known at the appropriate time.
“I am my own boss. I contested for president in 2019 before Peter Obi. I partnered with him in 2023 because I believed it was an opportunity to unite Nigerians,” he said.
“I am a Nigerian. I will make my decision known when the whistle is blown,” he added.
Party leaders at the rally urged members to remain calm and focused, insisting that Obi’s exit would not derail the party’s organisational strength or political ambitions.
