“2023 is over, move on” – Labour Party disowns Datti Baba-Ahmed’s remarks on Tinubu

The Labour Party (LP) has officially distanced itself from recent remarks made by its former vice presidential candidate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, regarding the legitimacy of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

In a statement released on Saturday, April 19, in Kaduna, signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Arabambi Abayomi, and issued by National Secretary, Umar Ibrahim, the LP condemned Datti’s description of Tinubu’s government as “questionably constitutional.”

The party labeled the comment undemocratic and cautioned against any form of speech that could incite the public against the current government.

He emphasized that while the party had contested the outcome of the 2023 presidential election up to the Supreme Court, it ultimately accepted the verdict in the interest of national peace and stability.

“For the interest and peace of the nation, the Labour Party accepted the judgment of the Supreme Court,” Abayomi said.

“This was not because we were pleased, but because of the finality of the Supreme Court’s judgment. The party has since moved on,” he added.

Abayomi also criticized an April 9 meeting reportedly convened by Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, and LP’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

He alleged that Datti continued to question the legitimacy of Tinubu’s presidency during the gathering.

Referencing a recent interview, Abayomi noted that Datti had labeled government appointments as “fake and illegal,” and claimed the administration was causing widespread suffering while misusing public funds.

“The appointments they are making are fake and illegal. The paraphernalia of government they are enjoying, destroying our country, and spending our money is only for a little time, Datti reportedly said in the interview.

The LP spokesman said such remarks were dangerous and suggested they were an attempt to provoke civil disobedience.

He warned that Nigeria was currently in a delicate state, urging politicians to act with restraint.

“We think there should be a limit to whipping up public sentiments against a legitimate government. The Arab Spring that rattled the entire Middle East started when the Arab leaders paid no attention to Bouazizi’s subtle warnings,” he cautioned.

“There was also the persistent galvanization of the youths against their governments, leading to mass demonstrations, revolts, and revolutions that almost consumed the region.”

While affirming every citizen’s right to hold the government accountable, the LP insisted that political leaders must refrain from making inflammatory comments that could further destabilize the country.

“The Labour Party, under the able leadership of Mr. Julius Abure, therefore, wishes to completely dissociate itself from the unfortunate and reprehensible comments by its former vice presidential candidate,” Abayomi stated.

He also raised concerns over an alleged threat from Governor Otti, who was said to have hinted at a “doomsday” scenario for the current party leadership.

The LP called on security agencies to ensure the safety of its national executives.