Datti Baba-Ahmed, the Labour Party’s vice presidential candidate in Nigeria’s 2023 general elections, has firmly dismissed any speculations of discord between him and the party’s presidential flagbearer, Peter Obi. Baba-Ahmed made this clarification during his attendance at the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the Julius Abure-led faction of the Labour Party, held on Monday in Abuja. According to a report by the Daily Post, the Labour Party has recently been entangled in deep-seated internal turmoil, leading to a clear division within its ranks. The party is currently polarized between two factions: one under the leadership of Julius Abure and the other steered by the interim Chairman, Nenadi Usman. The majority of party stakeholders, including prominent figures, argue that Julius Abure’s tenure as the national chairman has come to a lawful end. This view was reinforced by a court ruling, which explicitly directed Abure to desist from identifying or parading himself as the national chairman of the Labour Party. In line with this judicial directive, leading members of the Labour Party such as Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, the presidential candidate Peter Obi, Datti Baba-Ahmed himself, along with elected lawmakers representing the party, have consistently shown their allegiance to the Nenadi Usman-led faction. Despite his presence at the NEC meeting convened by the Abure faction, Baba-Ahmed clarified his mission, stating that his appearance was purely in the interest of peace-building within the party. Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the meeting, he emphasized that Peter Obi remains a bona fide member of the Labour Party, dismissing rumors suggesting otherwise. “I have attended the meeting and paid attention to the coalition dialogues. Yes, I still retain my membership in the Labour Party,” Baba-Ahmed asserted. He further stressed that Peter Obi, who is his principal, is equally committed to the Labour Party. While both leaders have participated in coalition discussions with other political entities, Baba-Ahmed pointed out that such coalitions do not equate to party membership shifts. “To the best of our knowledge, His Excellency Peter Obi, my leader, remains with the Labour Party. Like myself, he was involved in the coalition talks. However, participating in a coalition does not automatically signify joining another party like the ADC. There is no foundation for such claims,” he explained. Addressing speculations about a fallout between him and Peter Obi, Baba-Ahmed categorically stated that such a scenario is beyond the realm of possibility. “There is absolutely no crack between Peter Obi and me. In fact, imagining a rift between us is more difficult than cracking the entire APC structure,” Baba-Ahmed declared humorously but firmly. This declaration comes at a critical time when the Labour Party is battling internal divisions that threaten its cohesion and public image. Baba-Ahmed’s reassurances are aimed at calming tensions and projecting unity at the top leadership level of the party.
Yahaya Bello, the immediate past governor of Kogi State, has made his way to Daura in Katsina State ahead of the burial ceremonies of the late former Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari. This visit by the ex-Kogi State governor comes shortly after the remains of the late President Buhari were flown into Nigeria from the United Kingdom. Buhari’s body was transported via a Nigerian Air Force aircraft after it left London, where the former leader had been receiving treatment for a lingering illness that unfortunately led to his passing on Sunday. The final burial rites for the late Nigerian statesman are scheduled to take place later today. According to reports, the burial will be conducted in line with Islamic traditions, accompanied by full state honours. The ceremony will be held at Buhari’s private residence located in Daura, his hometown, where he will be laid to rest among his ancestors. The death of Muhammadu Buhari marks the end of an era in Nigeria’s political history. As news of his demise spreads, dignitaries, political leaders, and citizens alike have begun trooping to Daura to pay their last respects to the late former President. Yahaya Bello’s early arrival is part of the national outpouring of grief and solidarity with the Buhari family and the entire Daura community. For those interested in following live updates on the burial events, several national media outlets such as Channels Television and Premium Times are providing comprehensive coverage.
Kindly Share:
In a significant political move that has reshaped the dynamics of Cross River State politics, Dr. Emana Duke Ambrose-Amawhe — who was the Deputy Governorship Candidate for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 elections — has officially defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Her transition marks a shift in the political allegiance of one of PDP’s most prominent female figures in the region. Public Announcement of Defection Dr. Emana first announced her defection via her X (formerly Twitter) handle, expressing her alignment with the APC. This public declaration preceded her formal meeting with Governor Senator Bassey Edet Otu, his wife Her Excellency Bishop Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba (Cross River State APC Chairman), and the Governor’s Chief of Staff. “I only went to greet His Excellency, the Governor, and his wife as a mark of respect and to formally inform them of my movement,” Emana shared in a phone conversation with our correspondent. She added that an official ceremony would soon follow, during which she and thousands of supporters and other political figures would formally be welcomed into the APC. Resignation from the PDP On March 28, 2025, Dr. Emana submitted a resignation letter addressed to the Chairman of Edem Odo Ward in Akpabuyo Local Government Area, effectively ending her membership in the PDP. According to her, the decision was deeply considered and not made lightly. “While I may be leaving the PDP, my commitment to the people of Cross River State and Nigeria remains steadfast,” she wrote in the letter. This decision aligns with growing trends of political realignment ahead of the next election cycle in Nigeria. Political Background of Dr. Emana Ambrose-Amawhe Dr. Ambrose-Amawhe was the running mate to Senator Sandy Onor in the 2023 Cross River State gubernatorial election under the PDP. She also previously vied for the House of Representatives seat in the Bakassi/Akpabuyo/Calabar South Federal Constituency, a testament to her deep involvement in grassroots politics. Her defection is seen as a strategic advantage for the APC, which seeks to consolidate its strength in Cross River State after recent victories. What This Means for Cross River Politics The switch by such a high-profile female politician is bound to influence upcoming political alignments and voter sentiments, especially in the southern senatorial district of the state. With her significant followership and influence, the APC could gain increased grassroots support and strengthen its appeal across gender and youth demographics. To stay updated on major political events in Nigeria, check out our latest report on political party realignments in Nigeria 2025. Learn more about recent political defection trends in Nigeria from this reliable source: Premium Times Nigeria – Political Realignment Analysis Conclusion Dr. Emana Duke Ambrose-Amawhe’s defection from PDP to APC represents a pivotal moment in Cross River’s political space. As anticipation grows for her formal unveiling and the next steps in her political journey, all eyes remain on how this move will shape the future of governance and party leadership in the state. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
