The Labour Party (LP) has formally distanced itself from the recent remarks made by its former vice presidential candidate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, regarding the legitimacy of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. The party expressed strong disapproval of his statements and made it clear that such views did not reflect the party's stance.
In an official statement issued on Saturday, April 19, 2025, in Kaduna, the Labour Party, through its National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Arabambi Abayomi, and National Secretary, Umar Ibrahim, condemned Datti’s description of Tinubu’s government as “questionably constitutional.” The LP called the comment undemocratic and cautioned against making public statements that could incite hostility toward the current government. The party emphasized the importance of promoting national unity and peace, especially after the conclusion of the 2023 presidential election.
In the statement, Abayomi explained that while the Labour Party had previously contested the outcome of the 2023 presidential election all the way to the Supreme Court, it had ultimately accepted the court’s final verdict in the interest of national peace and stability. “For the interest and peace of the nation, the Labour Party accepted the judgment of the Supreme Court,” Abayomi stated. “This was not because we were pleased, but because of the finality of the Supreme Court’s judgment. The party has since moved on,” he added, stressing that the party’s focus was now on contributing positively to national development and stability.
Abayomi also took issue with an April 9 meeting that was reportedly convened by Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, and LP’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi. During this meeting, Datti Baba-Ahmed allegedly continued questioning the legitimacy of Tinubu’s presidency. Abayomi referred to a recent interview where Datti described government appointments as “fake and illegal” and accused the administration of mismanaging public funds while causing widespread suffering across the country. Datti's comments also included a harsh criticism of the government’s use of public resources, as he stated, “The appointments they are making are fake and illegal. The paraphernalia of government they are enjoying, destroying our country, and spending our money is only for a little time.”
The Labour Party spokesman warned that such remarks were not only dangerous but also potentially inciteful, suggesting that they could encourage civil disobedience and unrest. He underscored the fragile state of the country and called on political leaders to exercise restraint in their statements, especially during times of national tension. “We think there should be a limit to whipping up public sentiments against a legitimate government. The Arab Spring that rattled the entire Middle East started when the Arab leaders paid no attention to Bouazizi’s subtle warnings,” Abayomi cautioned, drawing a parallel to the political instability that followed in the Middle East. He went on to highlight the role that persistent anti-government sentiments had played in the mass uprisings and revolts in the region.
While reiterating that every citizen has the right to hold the government accountable, the LP stressed that political leaders should refrain from making inflammatory or divisive comments that could destabilize the nation further. The party firmly stated its commitment to maintaining peace and unity in Nigeria, calling on all political figures to act responsibly. “The Labour Party, under the able leadership of Mr. Julius Abure, therefore, wishes to completely dissociate itself from the unfortunate and reprehensible comments by its former vice presidential candidate,” Abayomi concluded, making the party’s position clear.
Additionally, Abayomi raised concerns about an alleged threat from Governor Otti, who was said to have hinted at a “doomsday” scenario for the current party leadership. This raised alarm within the Labour Party, and the spokesperson urged the relevant security agencies to take the necessary steps to ensure the safety of the party's national executives. The party requested that authorities provide adequate protection to prevent any form of violence or intimidation that could arise from these tensions.