In a significant shift within Nigeria's political landscape, Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, the 2023 vice-presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has announced his resignation from the party. Baba-Ahmed confirmed his departure during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, stating he will officially join the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP).

Reasons for Departure

Baba-Ahmed, who campaigned alongside Peter Obi in the 2023 general election, attributed his exit to a perceived deviation from the Labour Party’s founding principles and alleged external interference. He claimed that recent internal administrative changes were engineered to undermine his position.

“What Labour Party stood for then is no longer what it is today,” Baba-Ahmed remarked, citing "internal disagreements" and the deployment of specific individuals aimed at complicating his involvement in the party.

Critique of the Ruling Class

The former lawmaker also directed sharp criticism toward the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing the administration of focusing on the destabilization of opposition parties rather than addressing pressing national issues.

“We have had a government which has made its primary purpose the destruction of other political parties. Instead of fighting insecurity, fixing our economy, and stopping the stealing, what is more important [to them] is to destroy political parties,” he stated.

New Political Destination: The PRP

Explaining his choice of the Peoples Redemption Party, Baba-Ahmed highlighted the party’s long-standing historical legacy, noting that it is approximately 75 years old. He expressed a commitment to repositioning the PRP as a formidable force ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Key points regarding his future strategy include:

• Targeted Candidacy: He intends to work toward producing a "genuine southern, possibly Christian candidate" for the next election cycle to ensure balanced representation.

• 2027 Ambitions: While remaining non-committal about his own presidential or vice-presidential aspirations, Baba-Ahmed noted that he is satisfied with his career achievements in both the public and private sectors.

A Distinguished Career

During the interview, Baba-Ahmed reflected on his professional trajectory, citing his service in the House of Representatives at age 33 and the Senate at 41. He also highlighted his contributions to the private sector, including the establishment of university licenses and one of the largest private hospitals on the continent.

His resignation took effect at midnight following the broadcast, marking a major realignment for the "Obidient" movement and the broader Nigerian opposition.