The Labour Party (LP) has formally distanced itself from recent comments made by its former vice-presidential candidate, Senator Datti Yusuf Baba-Ahmed, describing his remarks as “undemocratic” and capable of inciting public unrest against the country’s constitutional authority.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Saturday by its National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Arabambi Abayomi, the party expressed serious concern over what it considered direct threats from Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, warning that the safety of its national leadership could be at stake.
The party stated it was deeply troubled by Senator Baba-Ahmed’s continued portrayal of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration as lacking constitutional legitimacy. The controversial remarks were reportedly made during a meeting hosted on April 9, 2025, at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja, with Governor Otti and former presidential candidate Peter Obi in attendance.
“As a responsible political party, we view Senator Baba-Ahmed’s comments as incitement and a subtle call for civil disobedience,” said Dr. Abayomi. “There must be boundaries in how political dissent is expressed. Undermining a democratically elected government in such a manner is unacceptable.”
Referencing a recent media interview, Senator Baba-Ahmed was quoted as saying: “These appointments are fraudulent and unlawful. They’re enjoying the perks of power while destroying the nation and wasting its resources. But their time is limited.”
The Labour Party, which lost the 2023 presidential election to President Tinubu, reiterated its acceptance of the Supreme Court’s final judgment on the matter. “We accepted the verdict not because we were satisfied, but because it is the ultimate legal authority in the land. We have since moved forward,” the party said.
The LP urged political actors and citizens alike to recognize Nigeria’s delicate socio-political climate and to work collaboratively towards national stability. “This is not a time to stoke division or chaos. Our democracy is still fragile, and we must protect it,” the statement emphasized.
The party drew parallels with historical uprisings in other regions, cautioning that Nigeria must avoid repeating such scenarios. “Let us not forget the Arab Spring, which erupted when political leaders underestimated the growing dissatisfaction among the youth. We must be vigilant and responsible.”
Additionally, the party condemned remarks attributed to Governor Otti during the same April 9 gathering, where he allegedly declared that the leadership under Julius Abure would soon face “doomsday” and threatened to “fumigate” them out of power.
“It is troubling that Governor Otti speaks of the Labour Party as if it were his private enterprise,” Abayomi noted. “He even revealed that Abure had rejected an offer to serve as Chairman of the Board of Trustees. Such threats to ‘fumigate’ our leadership cannot be taken lightly.”
The statement also linked recent comments by Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, to what it described as coordinated intimidation against the LP’s leadership. “Just days ago, Comrade Ajaero threatened to mobilise forces to forcefully remove our officials. We believe these incidents are interconnected and part of a larger scheme being sponsored by the Abia State Government.”
In light of these developments, the Labour Party has called on National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu to take immediate action to safeguard the lives and safety of its national executives.
“We are seriously concerned for the wellbeing of our party leaders. We have committed no crime other than defending democratic norms and the rule of law, as recently upheld by the Supreme Court,” the statement read.
The party concluded by urging all relevant security agencies, including the police and Department of State Services (DSS), to intensify protective measures around its officials. “Should any harm come to our leaders, the Abia State Governor must be held fully accountable,” the LP warned.
