The Labour Party (LP) has publicly rebuked its former vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, for his persistent criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s government. Baba-Ahmed’s pronouncements, including labeling the Tinubu administration as “questionably constitutional” and its appointments as “fake and illegal,” have been deemed undemocratic and inciting by the LP. The party, through its National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Arabambi Abayomi, issued a statement distancing itself from Baba-Ahmed’s rhetoric, emphasizing its commitment to upholding the rule of law and respecting the outcome of the 2023 presidential election, despite having challenged the results up to the Supreme Court. The LP stressed the importance of accepting the Supreme Court’s judgment for the sake of national peace and stability.
The LP’s condemnation extends to Baba-Ahmed’s alleged call for mass action against the government, referencing the Arab Spring as a cautionary tale against inciting public sentiment. The party highlighted the fragility of the nation’s current political landscape and urged Nigerians to prioritize national unity over partisan politics. While acknowledging the right of citizens to hold the government accountable, the LP cautioned against inflammatory statements that could ignite unrest. The party unequivocally dissociated itself from Baba-Ahmed’s remarks, which it considers highly reprehensible, especially given the precarious political climate.
Further fueling the internal discord within the LP, Abayomi also criticized a meeting held between Baba-Ahmed, former presidential candidate Peter Obi, and Abia State Governor Alex Otti. During this gathering, Baba-Ahmed reportedly reiterated his stance on the legitimacy of Tinubu’s government, further exacerbating tensions within the party. The LP expressed concern over the potential for Baba-Ahmed’s statements to incite violence and destabilize the country, emphasizing the need for responsible political discourse, particularly during times of national vulnerability. The party’s leadership called for calm and urged all stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue rather than resorting to inflammatory rhetoric.
Adding another layer to the unfolding internal conflict, the LP also addressed alleged threats made by Governor Otti against the party’s current leadership, specifically National Chairman Julius Abure. Otti’s comments, suggesting a “doomsday” scenario for Abure’s leadership, were interpreted as a direct threat to the safety of party officials. Consequently, the LP appealed to security agencies to enhance protection for its leaders, raising concerns about the potential for escalating tensions and the need for proactive measures to prevent violence. This incident further underscores the deep divisions within the party and the potential for further internal conflict.
At the heart of the LP’s condemnation is its firm acceptance of the Supreme Court’s decision, which affirmed Tinubu’s victory. Despite their initial challenge to the election results, the party has chosen to respect the finality of the judicial process and move forward. Baba-Ahmed’s persistent refusal to acknowledge the legitimacy of the current administration puts him at odds with the party’s official position and contributes to the growing rift between him and the LP leadership. The party’s public rebuke signals a clear attempt to distance itself from Baba-Ahmed’s controversial views and reaffirm its commitment to democratic principles.
The LP’s response highlights the delicate balance between holding the government accountable and maintaining national stability. While acknowledging the importance of citizen engagement in democratic processes, the party cautions against inflammatory rhetoric that could incite violence and undermine the rule of law. By publicly condemning Baba-Ahmed’s pronouncements, the LP aims to draw a clear line between legitimate criticism and potentially dangerous incitement, reaffirming its commitment to responsible political discourse and peaceful democratic processes. The party’s internal divisions, however, suggest a challenging road ahead as it navigates these internal conflicts and seeks to maintain unity within its ranks.
