By Our Reporter
Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed has expressed deep disappointment with the Labour Party, accusing it of straying from the principles that defined its 2023 presidential campaign when he ran alongside Peter Obi. He said the party no longer reflects the values that inspired widespread youth support and positioned it as a credible alternative to Nigeria’s dominant political blocs during the election.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, Baba-Ahmed announced that he would formally exit the Labour Party at midnight, citing internal disagreements and what he described as a deliberate effort by certain individuals within the party to undermine him. He noted that decisions taken after the election, including the redeployment of key figures, contributed to growing tensions and eroded the unity that once existed.
“I am leaving the Labour Party tomorrow… What the Labour Party stood for then is no longer what it is today,” he said, stressing that the party had deviated significantly from its founding ideals.
The former vice-presidential candidate confirmed that he would be joining the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), describing it as a party with a strong historical foundation and ideological clarity. He highlighted the PRP’s legacy as a progressive movement with roots dating back decades.
Founded in 1978 by the late Aminu Kano, the PRP is regarded as one of Nigeria’s oldest political movements, known for its pro-people stance. Baba-Ahmed’s defection marks a significant shift in the country’s political landscape, particularly following the momentum generated by the Labour Party during the 2023 general election.