Labour Party Distances Self From Datti’s Utterances
The Labour Party (LP) has distanced itself from recent pronouncements made by its former vice-presidential candidate, Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed, deeming them potentially destabilizing and a challenge to Nigeria’s democratic authority.
Simultaneously, the party has warned regarding perceived threats emanating from Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, alleging a plot to forcefully remove its national leadership.
In a statement released Saturday by National Publicity Secretary Dr. Arabambi Abayomi, the LP expressed “astonishment” at Senator Baba-Ahmed’s continued questioning of the legitimacy of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration. This criticism, the party argues, was particularly concerning given its expression during a meeting allegedly hosted by Governor Otti and former presidential candidate Peter Obi at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja on April 9th.
The party explicitly labeled Baba-Ahmed’s remarks – including claims that appointments made by the Tinubu government are “fake” and “illegal” – as inciting and a call for unrest. “We believe there should be a limit to whipping up public sentiments against a legitimate government,” Dr. Abayomi stated.
The LP emphasized its acceptance of the Supreme Court’s verdict in the 2023 presidential election, asserting it has moved forward and urging all Nigerians to prioritize national unity.
However, the most alarming allegations center around Governor Otti. The Labour Party accuses Otti of making explicit threats against its current leadership, led by Julius Abure, during the same April 9th meeting.
According to the LP, Otti boasted about his ability to remove Abure and his team from office, even stating he was prepared to “fumigate” them out.
The party claims Otti was angered by Abure’s refusal of an offer to chair the Board of Trustees.
The LP views these statements as a direct threat to its national officers’ safety. It further alleges a connection between Otti’s actions and recent threats made by the President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, to mobilize force against the LP leadership.
“We believe these threats are not coincidental. The NLC’s rascality is being sponsored by the Abia State Government,” Dr. Abayomi alleged.
Drawing parallels to the Arab Spring uprisings, the party warned against the dangers of ignoring persistent mobilization against the government. It has, therefore, formally requested urgent intervention from National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu to guarantee the safety of its national officers.
“We no longer feel safe,” Dr. Abayomi stated. “We have committed no offence except insisting on the rule of law and respect for party supremacy as recently affirmed by the Supreme Court.” The party is calling for heightened security around its officials and holds Governor Otti accountable “if anything happens to any of its national officers.
