Datti Baba- Ahmed , Labour Party Vice Presidential Candidate during the 2023 general election
By EZEKIEL OBI, Abuja-
Labour Party’s 2023 Vice Presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has declared his intention to run in the 2027 elections while reaffirming his unwavering commitment to the Labour Party, describing it as a party too significant to abandon.
Speaking in Abuja on Monday after the Labour Party’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, Baba-Ahmed emphasized his dedication to fostering unity within the party’s ranks.
“I see myself as a loyal son of the Labour Party, driven by a mission to bridge the divides among our members,” he stated.
Baba-Ahmed highlighted the party’s notable achievements, saying, “The Labour Party’s impact and history in Nigerian politics are unmatched and unparalleled.
“We demonstrated our strength by securing 10 million votes in the last election, even though it was officially recorded as 6.1 million. This is why I stay. The Labour Party is not a party to abandon.”
Commenting on broader challenges, he noted that state capture poses a greater threat than internal party disunity.
Reflecting on the 2023 elections, Baba-Ahmed remarked, “Nigerians were promised good governance, but what followed was relentless political maneuvering across regions.”
He reaffirmed his role within the party, stating, “I return as a steadfast member, a peacemaker, and someone committed to reconciling differing perspectives.”
Baba-Ahmed also expressed pride in participating in discussions aimed at forming coalitions to bolster national security.
“If your neighbors invite you to discuss security, it’s a moral duty to attend,” he said, adding, “But if the conversation shifts to other agendas, you have the right to return to your original stance.”
Baba-Ahmed clarified that while he had engaged in coalition talks, he remained firmly rooted in the Labour Party and would not blindly enter political agreements.
He urged party members to resist pressures leading to undesirable compromises, emphasizing, “As a responsible leader, my focus is on uniting all factions within the Labour Party under a common goal.”
He stressed that his efforts to reconcile party members were devoid of personal ambition or grudges, saying, “My work is free of selfish motives or resentment toward any group.”
Despite acknowledging internal challenges and factions, Baba-Ahmed reiterated his commitment to unifying the party.
Earlier, Julius Abure, the Labour Party’s National Chairman, commended Baba-Ahmed for his alignment with the party leadership and his declaration of interest in the 2027 elections.
