Labour Party Confident in 2027 Victory, Cites Economic Crisis as Expected Outcome

ABUJA – Dr. Datti Baba-Ahmed, the running mate of the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has stated that the current economic turmoil in Nigeria was no surprise to the party, having previously warned against the All Progressives Congress (APC) assuming power in 2023.

Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the LP Interim National Caretaker Committee in Abuja, Baba-Ahmed, representing Peter Obi, expressed confidence that the Labour Party would surpass its performance in the 2027 elections, aiming for a majority in the National Assembly and winning the presidency.

“We didn’t have a crisis; we managed a transition that was a bit bumpy,” Baba-Ahmed said. “No other political party of our size could do that in the time and manner that we did. We are a force to contend with in Africa.”

Baba-Ahmed highlighted the party’s legal efforts, stating that they contested 10 million votes at the Supreme Court, out of which they were only credited with 6 million. He emphasized that the Labour Party’s rise was driven organically by Nigerians and the “obedients” movement, challenging the dominance of two major parties in the country.

Addressing the leadership issues within the party, Baba-Ahmed clarified that Julius Abure, the former party chairman, was removed due to the expiration of his tenure, not by external political forces. He called on Abure and his supporters to work with the Caretaker Committee in rebuilding the party.

Senator Nenadi Usman, Chairman of the Labour Party National Caretaker Committee, reassured party members of the committee’s resolve to provide a viable alternative for Nigerians. She urged party members and supporters to make sacrifices for the party’s growth.

The Deputy Governor of Abia State, Ikechukwu Emetu, representing Governor Alex Otti, urged committee members to work for the party’s success, avoiding actions that could undermine their efforts. Senator Darlington Nwokocha, Secretary of the Committee, outlined the committee’s goals, which include producing elected officers at all levels through advocacy, sensitization, and consensus-building.

The committee has begun its work, with members already sworn in and subcommittees established to oversee its mandate.