Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, former vice-presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has dismissed claims that he’s planning to dump the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking on ARISE NEWS and Channels TV this week, Datti said he remains committed to the party, its principles, and to Peter Obi — his running mate in the 2023 elections.
“The general message is that I am yet to be convinced to leave Labour Party. I am yet to be convinced,” he said.
There had been whispers that Baba-Ahmed was aligning with a new coalition that may adopt Atiku Abubakar as its presidential candidate.
But he waved off such speculation.
“Convince me why I should come into ADC. Where was ADC in 2023 when Labour Party claimed we got 10 million votes?”
“Obi Can Contest With or Without Me”
Datti Baba-Ahmed restated that he’s not in a race against Obi or looking to hijack the party’s 2027 ticket.
“I repeated the welcome that Labour Party’s arms are open to embrace back Peter Obi,” he said.
“I would like him to again win the nomination of Labour Party and contest in 2027, with or without me.”
He described reports of him plotting a presidential bid as false.
“Some people speak their fears. It is not true. I never said that. I can tell you Peter Obi, for sure… I’m with him, I’ll support him.”
Baba-Ahmed said he had attended the factional NEC meeting called by Julius Abure in a bid to promote peace within the fractured party.
“This is what leadership is about. I’m not a Labour Party leader, but I aspired to a position of leadership.”
“And leaders don’t allow matters to degenerate. There are times you belong to everybody, so long as you are a leader.”
“They’re Trying to Destroy Political Parties”
Datti also addressed concerns about the reported relationship between Labour Party chairman Julius Abure and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
His words were sharp.
“Whoever captured so easily a country like Nigeria in the way they did… there is nothing else they won’t attempt to do.”
“Between 2023 and 2027, it’s like destroy all the parties,” he warned.
“Uncontainable is welcome to continue to spend Nigerian resources in destroying Nigerian political parties, using the kind of Wikis… But like Nigerians say, one day the monkey goes to the market and he doesn’t come back.”
Baba-Ahmed stood by earlier statements questioning the credibility of President Tinubu’s election, calling the process “suspicious.”
“I’m holding my head high. And I’m repeating here again… that evils do happen in societies like Nigeria.”
“And Nigerian politics has not been shielded from that.”
Asked to respond to criticism by Minister Hannatu Musawa, who accused him of spreading lies, Datti declined.
“Don’t expect me to join issues with this woman. I will not.”
“I have been on a mission to take away her boss’s job. And I will not allow her to distract me.”
“Labour Party Is Not a Party to Walk Away From”
Despite the party’s internal crisis, Baba-Ahmed believes the Labour Party still offers Nigerians a credible alternative.
He revealed that Obi knew about his attendance at the NEC meeting.
“He knows everything I do. I do carry him along… I absolutely told him that I was going there.”
He said his efforts were meant to restore faith in the party, both internally and among the Nigerian public.
“They were elated. They are yearning for leadership. And I told them I’m there to do it.”
“While I was there to reconcile, I was also reconciling Labour Party and the general public by the same token.”
Asked whether Obi’s coalition talks with the ADC amounted to anti-party activity, he said no.
“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.”
He ended with a call for unity among progressive movements.
“I call for parties to get together and talk. That’s the way forward.”
“I’m a positive catalyst in this case. I’m bringing people together to unite, understand themselves, and make good efforts again to rescue Nigeria.”
Rate, Like 👍, Comment💬, share this article, Follow us on our social media handles, and Submit your own story to get featured and earn rewards!
WhatsApp Channel
Telegram Channel
