KADUNA, Nigeria – A faction of the Labour Party (LP) has strongly condemned remarks made by former vice-presidential candidate Datti Baba-Ahmed, who described President Bola Tinubu’s government as “questionably constitutional.”
The statement, issued on Saturday, April 19, 2025, in Kaduna, was signed by the factional LP’s National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Arabambi Abayomi, and distributed by the factional National Secretary, Umar Ibrahim.
In its official response, the Labour Party faction expressed its disapproval of Baba-Ahmed’s comments, distancing itself from any actions that could incite the public against the Nigerian government.
The party emphasised that such remarks were undemocratic and contrary to the peaceful progress of the nation.
Abayomi clarified that while the Labour Party entered the 2023 general elections with high hopes for a change in the country’s leadership, the results were not in their favour.
The party had contested the outcome all the way to the Supreme Court but ultimately accepted the court’s ruling, recognising the finality of the judgment.
Despite not agreeing with the verdict, the LP moved forward, prioritising national peace.
However, Abayomi expressed astonishment at the recent meeting called by Governor Alex Otti of Abia and Peter Obi, where Baba-Ahmed reportedly repeated his criticisms of the election’s legitimacy, despite the Supreme Court’s validation of Tinubu’s victory.
Baba-Ahmed also allegedly referred to government appointments as “fake and illegal,” warning that the current government’s actions were short-lived and would ultimately harm the country.
The Labour Party, in response, called such statements inciting, and warned against creating unnecessary unrest in the country.
Abayomi likened the situation to the Arab Spring, highlighting how consistent inflammatory rhetoric can lead to mass demonstrations and political instability.
He reiterated that while it is within the rights of Nigerians to hold the government accountable, incitement and inflammatory speech should be avoided, particularly from influential political figures.
The statement also addressed Baba-Ahmed’s previous claims about the government’s supposed plans to fragment Nigeria and alleged hardship caused by the administration, framing these as attempts to stir division and hostility.
The LP stressed that the country is at a critical juncture, where unity and cooperation are necessary for national progress.
It called for a focus on resolving Nigeria’s challenges and urged political figures to prioritise the country’s well-being over personal or partisan interests.
Finally, the Labour Party expressed concern over recent threats made by Otti, warning of a potential “doomsday” scenario for the leadership of LP, calling it a direct threat to the lives of the party’s executive members.
The LP called on security agencies to increase protection for their leadership.
