Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, who served as the Labour Party's vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, has declared his intention to exit the party and align with the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP). The announcement was made on Tuesday during an appearance on Channels Television's Politics Today program, where he cited internal conflicts and a deviation from the party's original principles as the driving forces behind his decision.
Reasons for Departure
Baba-Ahmed elaborated on his grievances, stating, “I am leaving the Labour Party tomorrow. There is more to it. When there was real peace in the Labour Party, was when they posted back. They redeployed someone with a specific purpose, and because of the antecedent of the individual to make life difficult, particularly for me. What the Labour Party stood for then is no longer what it is today.” He emphasized that the party's current state no longer reflects its foundational values.
Effective Midnight Defection
The former vice-presidential candidate confirmed that his defection would take effect at midnight, with the PRP as his chosen political home. “I am leaving the Labour Party [at] midnight, and I am joining PRP. PRP is the new destination. PRP is the one with a history. It’s about 75 years old,” he stated, highlighting the party's longstanding legacy.
Historical Context of PRP
The PRP was established in 1978 by the late Aminu Kano and is recognized as one of Nigeria's oldest political movements. Baba-Ahmed's move follows his 2023 campaign alongside presidential candidate Peter Obi, signaling a notable shift in the Labour Party's leadership dynamics. This defection underscores ongoing realignments within Nigeria's political landscape as parties evolve and individuals seek platforms that align with their ideologies.
