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Datti Baba-Ahmed, former vice presidential candidate of the Labour Party
By ANGELA ATABO and PERPETUA ONUEGBU
Datti Baba-Ahmed, Labour Party’s 2023 Vice Presidential candidate, has expressed interest in contesting the 2027 elections, stating LP is not a party to abandon.
He disclosed this on Monday in Abuja following the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the Labour Party.
According to Baba-Ahmed, he considers himself a committed son of the party with a unique aim to unite presently divided members.
“Labour Party is not one to desert. Its achievements and history in Nigerian politics are both unique and unprecedented.
“We presented evidence of scoring 10 million votes in the last election, although it was later reduced to 6.1 million.
“For that reason, I remain. I repeat, Labour Party is not one to walk away from,” he said.
He described state capture as a more serious challenge than political disunity within parties.
Reflecting on 2023, Baba-Ahmed said Nigerians were promised governance but instead received constant political manoeuvring within and across regions.
“Much has happened since then. I return as a loyal party member, a peacemaker, and someone ready to reconcile differing views,” he said.
He expressed pride in attending meetings aimed at forming coalitions to strengthen national security.
“Morally, if your neighbours invite you to discuss security, you must attend.
“However, if the discussions shift, you reserve the right to return to your original position,” Baba-Ahmed stated.
He stressed he had listened to coalition proposals but remained in Labour Party, adding that he refused to enter political arrangements blindly.
Baba-Ahmed urged all well-meaning party members to avoid being led into uncomfortable political compromises.
He reaffirmed his commitment to reconciling all opposing views within the Labour Party, “as a responsible leader should.”
Though aware of internal challenges and factions, he said his goal is to unite all members under a shared purpose.
He emphasised his efforts were free of personal ambition, selfish interests, or resentment toward any group.
Earlier, National Chairman of the party, Julius Abure, said the NEC praised Baba-Ahmed for aligning with the party leadership and declaring his 2027 interest. (NAN)
