Baba-Ahmed Dumps Labour Party, Backs Peter Obi–Kwankwaso Alliance

The 2023 vice-presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has announced plans to leave the party and join the Peoples Redemption Party, citing deepening internal disagreements and a departure from the party’s founding ideals.

Baba-Ahmed made the disclosure on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, during an appearance on Politics Today, a flagship political programme on Channels Television.

“I am leaving the Labour Party tomorrow [Wednesday]. There is more to it,” he said.
The former vice-presidential candidate attributed his decision to what he described as a loss of direction within the party.

“When there was real peace in the Labour Party, was when they posted back. They redeployed someone with a specific purpose, and because of the antecedent of the individual to make life difficult, particularly for me,” he stated.

“What the Labour Party stood for then is no longer what it is today.”

Baba-Ahmed stressed that his resignation would take effect at midnight, marking the end of his association with the Labour Party.

Confirming his next political move, he said he would be joining the PRP immediately after his exit from the Labour Party.

“I am leaving the Labour Party [at] midnight, and I am joining PRP. PRP is the new destination. PRP is the one with a history. It’s about 75 years old,” he added.

The PRP, founded in 1978 by the late Aminu Kano, is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s oldest political movements, known for its progressive ideology and populist roots.

Baba-Ahmed was the running mate to Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party platform.

During the interview, Baba-Ahmed also took aim at the ruling All Progressives Congress, accusing it of undermining opposition parties rather than addressing pressing national issues.

He warned that Nigeria risks drifting towards a one-party state if current trends continue.

According to him, the focus of the government should be on improving security and economic conditions rather than weakening political rivals.

The former lawmaker criticised the government’s handling of security, referencing incidents involving the killing of senior military officers.

He argued that Nigeria’s vast human and material resources should translate into improved protection for citizens.

Baba-Ahmed further lamented that Nigerians have yet to witness meaningful progress under the current administration.

Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Baba-Ahmed said any candidate seeking to unseat President Bola Tinubu must possess a clean record devoid of allegations of corruption or electoral malpractice.

He urged credible Nigerians, particularly those who have distanced themselves from politics, to step forward and participate in governance.

The former vice-presidential candidate also criticised citizens for failing to hold leaders accountable, noting that poor governance persists partly due to public apathy.

On opposition strategy, Baba-Ahmed dismissed the possibility of presenting a single presidential candidate, describing the idea as unrealistic.

Instead, he expressed support for a potential alliance involving Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, suggesting that a coalition of like-minded leaders could pose a formidable challenge to the ruling party.

He added that the PRP, if properly repositioned and organised, has the potential to emerge as a strong political force ahead of future elections.