Datti dumps LP for PRP, cites internal crisis, interference

The 2023 vice-presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has announced his resignation from the party and plans to join the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), citing internal disagreements and alleged external interference.

Baba-Ahmed disclosed this on Tuesday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, saying the Labour Party had deviated from its founding ideals.

 

“They redeployed someone to come with a specific purpose, and because of the antecedents of the individual, to make life difficult, particularly for me. But what Labour Party stood for then is no longer what it is today,” he said.

 

The former running mate to Peter Obi also accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of undermining opposition parties.

 

“We have had a government who has made its primary purpose the destruction of other political parties. Instead of fighting insecurity and fixing our economy and stopping the stealing, what is more important is to destroy political parties,” he alleged.

 

He confirmed that his exit from the Labour Party would take effect at midnight, declaring the PRP as his new political platform.

 

“I’m leaving Labour Party midnight tonight, and I’m joining PRP. PRP is the new destination. PRP is the one with the history. It’s about 75 years old,” he stated.

 

Baba-Ahmed added that he would work towards producing “a genuine southern, possibly Christian candidate” under the PRP ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

On his own political ambition, he neither confirmed nor denied interest in contesting, but suggested he was not under pressure to seek higher office.

 

“At 33, House of Reps; at 41, Senate; university licence, another university licence, biggest private hospital in Africa, and the list goes on. Why do I have to be president or vice president?” he said.