The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has officially received former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, into its fold, describing his defection as a major political boost to its vision of building a stronger and more effective Nigeria.
In a statement released in Abuja on Thursday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Muhammed Ishaq, the PRP said Baba-Ahmed’s decision to join the party marks what it described as “a new dawn” for its political direction.
The party stated that his entry, alongside his supporters, would strengthen its resolve to advance policies centred on good governance, security reforms, and economic revival.
According to the statement, Baba-Ahmed’s move aligns with the PRP’s broader mission of restoring confidence in Nigeria’s leadership and repositioning the country for national progress.
The party noted that it remains open to Nigerians across political divides who are committed to meaningful transformation and urged citizens to support its vision for a more stable and united nation.
The PRP further outlined its policy focus, saying its agenda revolves around five key pillars, including restoring trust in public leadership, improving security architecture through institutional reforms, revitalising the economy, and restructuring governance to ensure fairness and efficiency.
It explained that these objectives are designed to deliver measurable outcomes in critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and rural development.
Baba-Ahmed’s defection comes shortly after he spoke publicly about his political future and his relationship with former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
He disclosed that he had advised Obi on possible political strategies ahead of the 2027 election.
According to him, the conversation took place on January 31, 2024, during which he suggested that Obi should consider selecting a different running mate for the next electoral cycle.
He mentioned former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai among possible alternatives.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, Baba-Ahmed said although he and Obi do not share the same political approach, he still maintains his support for him.
He also reiterated his long-held position that the Labour Party won the 2023 presidential election but argued that Obi did not pursue the outcome as forcefully as he expected.
“I was the one who told Obi on 31 January, 2024 that, ‘Kwankwaso or Nasir El-Rufai or another person, you may approach them. As far as I am concerned I will continue to support you but our politics are different, you let go of 2023 that we won,” he said.
He explained that his comments were driven by what he described as a sincere desire to offer strategic guidance ahead of the next election cycle.
What You Should Know
Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed’s move to the PRP signals a significant shift in Nigeria’s opposition political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
His defection highlights growing internal cracks within the Labour Party and could reshape alliance discussions among opposition figures. The PRP is positioning itself as an alternative platform for national renewal, while Baba-Ahmed’s remarks about Peter Obi reveal unresolved strategic disagreements from the 2023 election.
His decision may influence supporters within the Labour Party and spark fresh political calculations involving major opposition actors such as Kwankwaso and El-Rufai as parties begin preparations for what is expected to be a highly competitive electoral contest.
