Labour Party Dumps Obi, Otti Endorses Datti Baba-Ahmed for 2027 Presidency

The Labour Party (LP) has officially distanced itself from its 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti.

Instead, the party has endorsed Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed as its preferred presidential candidate for the 2027 contest.

The announcement came during a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting convened by the Julius Abure-led faction of the party in Abuja on Sunday, July 21, 2025. The meeting, attended by state chairmen, national officers, and other key stakeholders, is already sending ripples across the nation’s political landscape.

In a communique released after the NEC meeting, the party leadership cited what it described as a series of unconstitutional moves by Obi and Otti, including an “illegal NEC meeting” held on April 9, 2025, in Abuja.

According to the Abure-led faction, the controversial meeting, organized without due process or the involvement of key LP structures, was a blatant violation of the party’s constitution.

The party further accused the duo of “anti-party activities” and deliberate efforts to sow division within the ranks of the LP.

Specific reference was made to comments allegedly made by Governor Otti, in which he warned of a “doomsday” for the Abure leadership remarks the party viewed as a direct threat and an affront to its internal stability.

“Peter Obi and Alex Otti have unfortunately chosen to operate outside the structures and constitutional provisions of the Labour Party. This cannot be condoned if we must move forward as a united force,” the NEC communique stated.

With the party distancing itself from its most recognizable figure, Peter Obi who garnered over six million votes in the 2023 presidential election the LP appears to be charting a new course by throwing its weight behind Obi’s former running mate, Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed.

A respected economist, former senator, and founder of Baze University in Abuja, Baba-Ahmed has continued to advocate for structural reforms and transparent governance.

In recent months, he has increased public appearances and policy commentary, sparking speculation about his future political ambitions.

His endorsement by the LP now puts him at the center of the party’s 2027 strategy, signaling a clear shift from the Obi-led momentum of 2023 to what the party describes as a “new, unifying vision for national renewal.”

The move has generated intense debate both within and outside the Labour Party. While some party insiders hail the decision as a necessary step to restore discipline and direction, others argue it could trigger further fragmentation and loss of public trust.

Many observers believe that the decision could deepen the ongoing leadership crisis within the LP, particularly between the Julius Abure and Lamidi Apapa factions. It also raises questions about Peter Obi’s political future and whether he will remain within the Labour Party or pursue his ambition on a different platform.

As of press time, neither Peter Obi nor Alex Otti has issued a formal response to the development.

Political analysts suggest the endorsement of Datti Baba-Ahmed is not only a bold gamble but also a calculated move to maintain the party’s relevance ahead of what is expected to be a fiercely contested 2027 general election.

Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other political stakeholders are closely watching the unfolding events, as the LP’s internal wranglings could significantly influence the opposition’s overall strength in the next political cycle.