Dr. Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, the vice-presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, has dismissed speculation surrounding his involvement in any political coalition talks aimed at replacing the ruling APC, declaring that both he and his principal, Peter Obi, remain committed members of the Labour Party.
Speaking at the Labour Party National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held today in Abuja under the leadership of Julius Abure, Datti reaffirmed his loyalty to the party and emphasized that he has no intention of leaving or aligning with any coalition he doesn’t fully understand.
“Obi and I remain loyal to the Labour Party,” he stated firmly. “I have attended and listened to coalition attempts, but I still remain in Labour Party. I am not one to sleepwalk into any political arrangements.”
Datti revealed that Labour Party presented verifiable records of 10 million votes during the 2023 election, but the figures were controversially reduced to 6.1 million. He insisted that despite this injustice, the Labour Party remains a credible platform for real change in Nigeria.
“After the tragedy of 2023, Nigerians were promised governance, yet what we’ve seen is unrelenting underhand politics. A lot of water has passed under the bridge, but I remain here as a loyal party member and peacemaker.”
Addressing the buzz around opposition coalitions gearing up for 2027, Datti cautioned that removing the APC should not be the only focus. He argued that the kind of government that follows is even more important than simply defeating the ruling party.
“A coalition once removed a sitting government in this country, but what followed after was a disaster,” he warned. “We must be more concerned with the quality of leadership we are forming, not just the act of removing APC.”
He threw his weight behind the current leadership of Julius Abure, in line with INEC’s recognition, and called for unity within the party to consolidate the gains made since 2023.
“I recognize all that has happened in the party and I agree with what INEC is doing in relating with the Julius Abure faction,” he said. “I have no personal ambition, no bitterness, and no grudges. I am here to bring everyone together so we can move forward.”
He ended his address by expressing confidence in the continued presence of Peter Obi in the Labour Party, stressing that their shared vision for a better Nigeria remains intact.
“I am glad to note that from the comments of my boss, His Excellency Dr. Peter Obi, he still remains in the Labour Party. Together, we will continue to pursue our collective goal.”
