Call for Peter Obi’s Return to LP Lacks Legal Basis – Otaokpukpu Blasts Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed

Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, a prominent member of the Labour Party (LP), has called for former presidential candidate Peter Obi to rejoin the party, but Vincent Otaokpukpu, a lawyer and director of the Legal Obedience Movement, has rejected the idea.

In an interview with Arise News, he claimed that the demand for Obi to rejoin the LP is not supported by Nigeria’s present election system.

He claims that the Electoral Act’s requirements make it impossible for a politician to openly change parties quickly, especially in the run-up to party primaries.

“At best, Datti Ahmed’s remark is a political assertion that most likely lacks legal support.

“Changing political parties may not be feasible, unless there are legal exceptions,” he clarified.

Otaokpukpu pointed out that although freedom of association is guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution, new election requirements may make it more difficult for parties to move around and participate in primaries.

“If any member… is not contained in the register submitted to INEC… such a fellow will not be eligible to vote and be voted for,” he stated, alluding to the specifications for party membership lists.

He contended that these clauses might be in violation with fundamental rights, especially Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution, which protects the right to join any political party.

“You are not required to be a member for a certain amount of time, according to the Constitution,” he said.

Otaokpukpu emphasized that Obi’s return to the Labour Party is constrained by procedural realities and timing, notwithstanding these legal issues.

He stated, “It is practically impossible because most of the major political parties will be holding their conventions and primaries in just a few weeks.”

He insisted that rather than focusing on political conjecture about party movement, the Electoral Act’s flaws with constitutional principles should be addressed.

Otaokpukpu stated that Obi is still a strong candidate inside the African Democratic Congress (ADC), rejecting claims of an internal crisis within the organization.

“ADC’s primaries have not been held. He said, “It’s hopeful that Obi will get the ticket.”