Labour Party Clarifies Stance: Disowns Datti Baba-Ahmed’s Remarks Against Tinubu’s Presidency

The Labour Party (LP) has officially disassociated itself from recent controversial comments made by Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed, the party’s former vice presidential candidate in Nigeria’s 2023 general election. Baba-Ahmed had criticized the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing it as “questionably constitutional.”

In a strongly-worded statement released by the LP’s National Secretary, Umar Ibrahim, and signed by Dr. Arabambi Abayomi, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, the party emphasized that such remarks were undemocratic and could provoke unrest.

“The Labour Party contests elections with the vision to create positive change in governance, but we also respect the rule of law and democratic processes,” Abayomi said during a press briefing in Kaduna.

LP Reaffirms Commitment to Peace and Legal Processes

According to the statement, although the LP challenged the 2023 presidential election results up to the Supreme Court of Nigeria, the party accepted the final verdict in the interest of national unity.

“Our acceptance of the judgment wasn’t out of satisfaction but respect for the constitutional finality of the Supreme Court. The party has since moved forward,” Abayomi stated.

The LP also condemned the meeting held in Abuja on April 9, allegedly convened by Governor Alex Otti of Abia State and Peter Obi, where Baba-Ahmed reiterated his controversial views on the legitimacy of the Tinubu administration.

Statements Deemed Inciting and Dangerous

Baba-Ahmed had gone further in a televised interview, calling appointments made by the federal government “fake and illegal,” and accusing it of wasting public funds. The LP leadership described these remarks as inflammatory and dangerous, warning of their potential to incite public unrest.

“Whipping up sentiments against a sitting government can destabilize the nation, especially during times as precarious as now,” Abayomi noted.

He cautioned that such actions mirror early signs of revolutions like the Arab Spring, where subtle provocations led to widespread chaos.

Labour Party Emphasizes National Unity Over Politics

Abayomi also reminded the public that Datti Baba-Ahmed previously accused the Tinubu administration of planning to divide Nigeria into autonomous zones and plunging citizens into economic hardship—allegations LP says were intended to stoke unrest.

Despite the party’s belief in accountability, it insists that public figures should avoid language that could lead to national instability.

“Political leaders must act responsibly. Nigeria’s current challenges require unity, not divisive rhetoric,” he added.

Call for Security Protection and Internal Discipline

The LP also expressed concern over Governor Otti’s alleged remarks about a looming “doomsday” for the party’s leadership, interpreting it as a threat to the lives of key executives. The party has called on Nigerian security agencies to provide adequate protection for its national leaders.

“Under the leadership of Mr. Julius Abure, the Labour Party distances itself entirely from these unfortunate and inflammatory statements made by Datti Baba-Ahmed,” the party concluded.

Read CNN’s analysis on Nigeria’s 2023 election aftermath for broader context on electoral developments.