Former vice-presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has criticised Peter Obi’s exit from the party amid its internal crisis, describing the move as lacking strong leadership.
Baba-Ahmed, who served as Obi’s running mate in the 2023 election, also expressed doubts about the possibility of northern voters backing a political alliance between Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Obi and Kwankwaso recently left the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to join the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), as part of ongoing opposition realignments.
Speaking with journalists on Monday after defecting to the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Baba-Ahmed clarified that his views were personal, noting that he still maintains a cordial relationship with both Obi and Kwankwaso.
He revealed that he had earlier advised Obi to engage Kwankwaso and other opposition leaders in preparation for the 2027 elections, adding that the current alliance between the two politicians was partly his idea.
“As much as possible, I try to avoid mentioning names at this stage, but it is very unlikely that the North will rally around Obi and Kwankwaso,” he said.
“I feel somewhat responsible because on January 31, 2024, I told Peter Obi that from that point, he should consider reaching out to Kwankwaso, el-Rufai, and others. Planning for 2027 should already be underway by 2024. If that level of planning is not happening, then I cannot continue along that path.
“They are now working together, and it was partly my suggestion. But whether it will succeed remains uncertain. We will wait and see.”
Baba-Ahmed also questioned why Kwankwaso did not support Obi during the 2023 elections, asking what had changed in the political landscape to justify their current alliance.
“Why didn’t Kwankwaso support Obi in 2022/2023? What has changed now?” he asked.
He further raised concerns about potential leadership conflicts within the alliance, pointing out disparities in age, experience, and political standing.
“You have a vice-presidential figure who surpasses you in age, education, and political profile. So who becomes president in such an arrangement?” he queried.
On Obi’s departure from the Labour Party, Baba-Ahmed insisted that the former Anambra State governor should have remained to resolve the party’s internal issues.
“Someone who secured the Labour Party ticket so easily should have stayed and worked through its challenges, no matter how difficult,” he said.
“I faced criticism for urging reconciliation within the party, only to later hear that my former leader believes in walking away from conflict. If there is a quarrel in Nigeria, will you walk away as well? That does not add up.
“A leader must be firm. No matter how calm or gentle you are, you must be ready to stand your ground. Politics is a contact sport, especially in a country as complex as Nigeria. If you are not ready to engage, then politics may not be for you.”
Elijah Adeyemi
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