“I Am Leaving Labour Party to Join PRP” — Datti Baba-Ahmed

Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, the Labour Party’s vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 election, says he will leave the party and join the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), citing internal disagreements and what he described as a departure from Labour Party’s founding ideals.

Baba-Ahmed made the announcement on Tuesday during an appearance on *Politics Today* on Channels Television, saying his resignation would take effect at midnight on Wednesday.

He said his decision followed longstanding concerns about developments within the Labour Party, including internal actions he suggested were aimed at sidelining him.

“What the Labour Party stood for then is no longer what it is today,” he said.

Baba-Ahmed described the PRP as his next political platform, pointing to its history and ideological roots. Founded in 1978 by the late Aminu Kano, the PRP is widely associated with progressive politics in Nigeria.

He was the running mate to Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party.

During the interview, Baba-Ahmed also criticised the APC-led government, warning against what he called a growing threat of a one-party state. He accused the ruling party of weakening opposition voices rather than addressing insecurity and economic challenges.

He questioned the government’s handling of security, referencing attacks that have claimed the lives of senior military officers, and argued that Nigeria’s resources should translate into stronger protection for citizens.

Looking ahead to the 2027 election, Baba-Ahmed said any candidate seeking to challenge President Bola Tinubu must have a credible record and be free of corruption or electoral misconduct allegations.

He also called on more Nigerians outside the political establishment to enter public office, while urging citizens to demand greater accountability from leaders.

On opposition politics, Baba-Ahmed dismissed the prospect of a single opposition presidential candidate, describing such a plan as unrealistic.

Instead, he backed the idea of broader political cooperation involving figures such as Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, and said the PRP could become a viable opposition force if properly organised.