The Labour Party (LP) leadership has publicly disavowed comments made by its former vice-presidential candidate, Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed, in which he described President Bola Tinubu’s government as “questionably constitutional.” The party described his statements as inciting, undemocratic, and potentially dangerous to Nigeria’s stability.
In a strongly worded statement signed by LP’s National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Arabambi Abayomi, and issued to journalists by the party’s National Secretary, Umar Ibrahim, on Saturday in Kaduna, the party warned against rhetoric capable of whipping up public sentiments and fueling unrest.
According to Abayomi, the Labour Party approached the 2023 General Elections determined to reform the way Nigeria was governed. However, after the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, lost at the Supreme Court, LP made the decision to respect the finality of the court’s judgment and move forward.
“For the interest and peace of the nation, the Labour Party accepted the judgment of the Supreme Court,” Abayomi said.
“This was not because we were pleased, but because of the finality of the Supreme Court’s judgment. The party has since moved on.”
LP Distances Itself from Post-Election Rhetoric
The LP said it was astonished by what it called an illegal and unconstitutional meeting held on April 9 in Abuja. According to Abayomi, the meeting was convened by Governor Alex Otti of Abia State and attended by Peter Obi and other stakeholders, during which Baba-Ahmed repeated controversial claims regarding the 2023 election outcome.
“At the meeting, Baba-Ahmed still referred to the 2023 presidential election as ‘questionably constitutional’ even after the legitimacy of the Tinubu administration had been affirmed by the Supreme Court,” Abayomi stated.
He further alleged that in a recent national television interview, Baba-Ahmed made several inflammatory remarks, including claims that appointments made by the Tinubu-led government were “fake and illegal.”
“The paraphernalia of government they are enjoying, destroying our country, spending our money is only for a little time,” Baba-Ahmed was quoted as saying in the interview.
Abayomi condemned these statements, labeling them “inciting” and potentially capable of provoking mass unrest.
“We think there should be a limit to whipping up public sentiments against a legitimate government,” he said.
“The Arab Spring that rattled the Middle East began when leaders ignored subtle provocations. We must not allow a repeat of such in Nigeria.”
Allegations of Conspiracy and Hardship
Abayomi also accused Baba-Ahmed of previously alleging that the Tinubu administration harbored a secret agenda to divide Nigeria into six autonomous regions. According to him, the former LP vice-presidential candidate had continued to claim the current administration was deliberately plunging Nigerians into deeper hardship to destabilize the country.
“These allegations,” Abayomi insisted, “were clear efforts to incite citizens and destabilize the country using unverified narratives.”
He warned that such commentary from influential political figures, especially those who once aspired to lead the nation, carried dangerous implications in a time when Nigeria was navigating economic and political turbulence.
“Nigeria is presently passing through a very dangerous and precarious phase. This demands that all well-meaning Nigerians set aside political sentiments and help the nation recover from its challenges,” Abayomi urged.
A Call for Responsible Opposition
The Labour Party emphasized that while it was within the rights of every citizen to hold the government accountable, it would not support or associate with any actions or statements capable of inciting the public against a legitimate authority.
“The Labour Party under the able leadership of Mr. Julius Abure wishes to completely dissociate itself from the unfortunate and reprehensible comments by its former vice presidential candidate,” the statement said.
Abayomi also took aim at comments allegedly made by Abia State Governor Alex Otti, who reportedly hinted at a looming “doomsday” scenario for the current leadership of the party under Abure. The LP said it considered the remarks a direct threat to its executives’ lives and called on Nigerian security agencies to act swiftly.
“We view the alleged comment by Otti of a possible ‘doomsday’ awaiting the Julius Abure-led leadership as a direct threat,” Abayomi said.
“We hereby call on all the security agencies to beef up security around our leaders and ensure their safety.”
Labour Party Reaffirms Commitment to Democratic Values
Wrapping up the press statement, the Labour Party reiterated its commitment to democratic principles, national unity, and peaceful coexistence. It emphasized that it would continue to constructively engage the government and hold it accountable within the boundaries of law and respect for institutions.
“This is not the time for reckless statements or political grandstanding. We owe it to Nigeria to protect our democracy by acting responsibly and constructively,” Abayomi concluded.
