Labour Party Won’t Merge with SDP Ahead of 2027, Insists Datti Baba Ahmed

Labour Party Vice Presidential candidate on 2023 election, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has ruled out the possibility of a merger or coalition with the Social Democratic Party (SDP) ahead of the 2027 elections.

This stance is rooted in his conviction that the Labour Party, which he claims garnered over 10 million votes in the 2023 elections, is the only viable force capable of leading any opposition coalition.

Although official results from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) reported the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, securing 6,101,533 votes, Datti’s assertion reflects the party’s narrative and its disputed claims of electoral transparency.

In contrast, the SDP’s performance in the 2023 elections was significantly weaker, with its candidate, Adewole Adebayo, polling a mere 81,449 votes. This stark difference in electoral performance has led Datti to believe that the Labour Party’s stronger electoral base and grassroots support make it the natural anchor for any opposition alliance.

He has emphasized the need for Nigerians to prepare for a “new movement,” hinting at a focus on building momentum independently rather than aligning with smaller parties like the SDP.

This development comes amid broader discussions of opposition coalitions, with prominent figures like Atiku Abubakar and Nasir El-Rufai exploring ways to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027. However, the SDP’s rejection of merger terms and internal leadership issues have complicated these talks, leading to a sense of uncertainty and fragmentation within the opposition.

Datti’s rejection of the SDP underscores strategic differences within the opposition, with the Labour Party prioritizing its dominance over broader alliances for now.

This approach may be seen as a bold move, but it also risks alienating potential allies and undermining the collective effort to challenge the APC’s dominance.

The Labour Party’s decision to go it alone may be driven by its confidence in its electoral base, but it also raises questions about the party’s willingness to engage in coalition-building and compromise.

The dispute over vote counts and electoral transparency is also a significant factor in Datti’s assertion. The claim of 10 million votes, which exceeds the official tally, may reflect the Labour Party’s dissatisfaction with the electoral process and its outcome. This sentiment is not unique to the Labour Party, as many Nigerians have expressed concerns about the integrity of the electoral system. The INEC’s official results may be seen as the benchmark, but the discrepancies between the official tally and the Labour Party’s claims highlight the need for greater transparency and accountability in the electoral process.

In the lead-up to the 2027 elections, the opposition parties will need to navigate these complexities and challenges to present a united front against the APC. The Labour Party’s decision to prioritize its dominance may be a calculated risk, but it also underscores the need for a more nuanced and inclusive approach to coalition-building. By engaging with smaller parties like the SDP and addressing the concerns of its supporters, the Labour Party may be able to build a broader coalition that can effectively challenge the APC’s dominance.

Ultimately, the success of the opposition will depend on its ability to put aside its differences and work towards a common goal. The 2027 elections present an opportunity for the opposition to reclaim power and bring about meaningful change in Nigeria. However, this will require a concerted effort, strategic alliances, and a willingness to compromise. As the political landscape continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether the Labour Party’s decision to go it alone will pay off or whether a more inclusive approach will be necessary to achieve success.