Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, the 2023 vice-presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has announced plans to leave the party and join the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), citing internal disagreements and a departure from its founding ideals.
He made the disclosure on Tuesday during an appearance on Politics Today.
According to Baba-Ahmed, his decision follows growing concerns over developments within the Labour Party, which he said no longer reflects the principles it once stood for.
“I am leaving the Labour Party tomorrow. There is more to it… what the Labour Party stood for then is no longer what it is today,” he said, alleging that certain internal moves were targeted at undermining him.
He added that his resignation would take effect at midnight, after which he would formally align with the PRP.
“I am leaving the Labour Party at midnight, and I am joining PRP. PRP is the new destination… it has a long-standing history,” he stated.
The Peoples Redemption Party, founded in 1978 by Aminu Kano, is one of Nigeria’s oldest political movements, known for its progressive roots.
Baba-Ahmed was the running mate to Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election.
During the interview, he also criticised the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), warning against what he described as a drift toward a one-party state. He accused the party of weakening opposition voices rather than addressing key national challenges such as insecurity and economic hardship.
He questioned the government’s handling of security, pointing to the killing of senior military officers and arguing that Nigeria’s resources should translate into stronger protection for citizens.
Looking ahead to 2027, Baba-Ahmed said any candidate capable of defeating President Bola Tinubu must have a clean record, free from allegations of corruption or electoral malpractice.
He urged credible Nigerians to participate more actively in politics and criticised citizens for failing to hold leaders accountable.
Baba-Ahmed also dismissed the idea of a single opposition presidential candidate as unrealistic, but expressed support for potential alliances involving Rabiu Kwankwaso and Peter Obi. He added that the PRP could emerge as a formidable opposition force if properly organised.
