We Are the Real Deal” — LP Leadership Dismisses Rivals, Reaffirms Party’s Mission

The Julius Abure–led Labour Party has dismissed fears over the exit of its 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, maintaining that the party remains solid and well-positioned to compete in the 2027 general elections.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Abure made the assertion on Wednesday at a rally held at the Labour Party National Headquarters in Abuja, where party leaders and supporters gathered to reaffirm their loyalty to the platform.

While acknowledging Obi’s contribution to the party’s performance in the 2023 elections, Abure cautioned against portraying the Labour Party’s success as dependent on one individual. He stressed that the party’s growth and rising profile predated Obi’s emergence and were the result of collective effort and internal reforms.

“We had already rebuilt and rebranded the image of the party. That is why many influential Nigerians expressed interest in joining us, and some actually did,” Abure said.

He noted that Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, joined the Labour Party before Peter Obi, a fact the governor himself had publicly confirmed.

“Governor Alex Otti told the world that he joined the Labour Party before Peter Obi, and that is true,” he stated.

Abure further disclosed that Otti had made it clear he would not defect alongside Obi, describing this as evidence of the party’s stability and resilience.

“He also said he would not leave the party with Peter Obi,” Abure added.

Recounting events following Obi’s departure, the Labour Party chairman revealed that he received a phone call from the party’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate, Dr. Datti Baba-Ahmed, who reaffirmed his commitment to the party.

“On the night Peter Obi left, I received a call from our vice-presidential candidate, Dr. Datti Baba-Ahmed,” Abure said.

According to him, Baba-Ahmed explained that he would not abandon the party that provided the platform on which they collectively secured millions of votes during the 2023 elections.

“He said he would not leave the Labour Party because it was the platform through which we received about 10 million votes from Nigerians, later reduced to six million, and we all know what happened,” Abure noted.

Abure also disclosed that Baba-Ahmed initially proposed a private reconciliation meeting involving select party leaders, but later agreed that the engagement should involve grassroots members.

“He suggested meeting at the Transcorp Hilton with a few senior members, even offering to foot the bill. But I insisted we hold the meeting here at the party secretariat and invite ordinary members, artisans and grassroots supporters who truly own the party. He agreed, and that is why we are here today,” Abure explained.

Reaffirming the party’s unity, Abure assured supporters that the Labour Party remains intact and committed to offering Nigerians a credible alternative.

“The Labour Party is united. We will not disappoint Nigerians. We will stay together and continue to provide a genuine alternative,” he declared.

Speaking at the rally, Baba-Ahmed said his decision to remain in the Labour Party was guided by principle, describing the party as the authentic vehicle for national renewal.

Addressing speculation about his 2027 presidential ambition, Baba-Ahmed said he would make his intentions known at the appropriate time.

“I am my own man. I contested for president in 2019, long before Peter Obi,” he said.

“I agreed to work with Peter Obi in 2023 because I saw an opportunity to bring Nigerians together, and I embraced it.”

He added, “I am a Nigerian, a Hausa man and a Muslim. Bola Tinubu is a human being, and there are human beings in the Labour Party. When the time comes, I will make my decision known.”

The rally ended with party leaders expressing confidence in the Labour Party’s relevance and competitiveness as the country moves toward the 2027 general elections.