Nenadi: Baba-Ahmed’s Preference for Abure Can’t Alter S’Court Verdict on LP

•Obi free to contest in 2027 with or without me, declares ex-vice presidential hopeful

ChuksOkocha in Abuja and David-ChyddyElekein Awka

Interim National Chairman of the Labour Party, Senator Nenad iUsman, has reacted to the recent recognition of the factional national chairman of the party, Julius Abure by Vice-presidential candidate of the party in the 2023 general election, Dr. Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed as authentic chairman.

Usman, in her reaction, insisted that the validation of the Abure leadership of the party did not alter the Supreme Court judgement on the leadership of the party, which recognised her.

In a press release by her Senior Special Adviser on Media, Mr Ken ElumaAsogwa, Usman insisted that Abure remained suspended from the party.

Part of the release read: “While Dr. Baba-Ahmed, like every Nigerian, is entitled to his personal opinions and freedom of association, it is imperative to state that the leadership question within the Labour Party has been conclusively settled by the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

“For the sake of clarity, and to avoid further distortion of facts, the Labour Party wishes to reiterate the unequivocal verdict of the apex court as delivered on 4th April 2025. At page 47 of the judgement.

“While the party respects the right of Dr. Baba-Ahmed and other members to hold personal views, it is important to remember that the acceptance of and adherence to the finality of the judgements of the Supreme Court has never been, and will never be, a matter of choice but compulsion.

“The Labour Party is bound by that finality and expects all members to align accordingly. This unambiguous ruling of the Supreme Court – Nigeria’s highest judicial authority – effectively nullifies any claim by Barr. Julius Abure to the office of National Chairman of the Labour Party.

“It also upholds the leadership of Senator NenadiUsman, who was the appellant in the said matter and upon whose appeal all reliefs sought were granted.

“We acknowledge Dr. Baba-Ahmed’s stated intention to foster reconciliation within the party. That in itself is commendable. However, such efforts must be rooted in truth, guided by respect for the rule of law, and anchored on the existing legal realities.

“As the Labour Party prepares for its ward, local government, and state congresses –  culminating in the forthcoming national convention – the Interim National Chairman of the party, Senator NenadiUsman, continues to call for peace, unity, and internal cohesion.

“Only a united Labour Party can effectively confront and offer a credible alternative to the APC-led federal government and its failed governance trajectory.”

Baba-Ahmed: Peter Obi Free to Contest 2027 Presidential Poll With or Without Me

Meanwhile, the 2023 Vice-Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has said former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, was free to seek the party’s presidential ticket for the 2027 elections, whether or not he returned as his running mate.

Baba-Ahmed stated this while speaking as a guest on The Morning Brief, a Channels Television programme.

“They are two key individuals that I have tremendous respect for. One is Peter Obi. I welcome him openly.

“The Labour Party welcomes him to still come and retain the Labour Party ticket and contest in 2027 with or without me. And the ADC is welcome to adopt a southern candidate,” Baba-Ahmed said.

The former senator said Nigeria needed leaders with the capacity to govern effectively and not deliver failure.

“We want capacity. We want compassion. We want people who will develop Nigeria, leaders that matter, leaders that deliver promises, not those who will promise governance and deliver disaster,” he stated.

Responding to concerns that Obi’s recent participation in coalition talks led by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) amounted to anti-party activity, Baba-Ahmed said it was not the case.

“This is not an anti-party activity. It is an unfolding situation. The meaning of a coalition is that political parties, interest groups, and individuals are coming together. It’s an unfolding situation.

“I attended coalition meetings. Peter Obi is welcome to continue to attend those coalition meetings,” Baba-Ahmed said.

He also shared his position on the contentious issue of zoning ahead of the 2027 general election, stating that the South should produce the next president.