By Peter Omopo
Former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has criticised the opposition coalition formed under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), accusing its leaders of misleading Nigerians with promises of national rescue.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, Baba-Ahmed dismissed the coalition — which includes his 2023 running mate, Peter Obi — as deceptive.
“They are deceiving us,” he said, stressing that Nigeria’s salvation would not come from the ADC bloc.
The ADC coalition has drawn support from prominent political figures such as former Senate President David Mark, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola.
While Obi has indicated interest in contesting the 2027 presidential election and has associated with coalition members, Baba-Ahmed insisted that the former Anambra governor should remain in the Labour Party and contest under its platform.
“I’m in the Labour Party. I’m a Peter Obi man. I still want Peter Obi to come back to the Labour Party and contest the 2027 election,” he declared.
When asked if he would serve again as Obi’s running mate, Baba-Ahmed responded:
“If Nigeria is still around and there is an electoral system to follow. My love for Nigeria is undying, and I would appropriately associate with groups and individuals that are like-minded to restore Nigeria.”
The Labour Party chieftain further noted that there were only two individuals he would ever consider deputising.
“The first one has not said anything. The second one is Peter Obi. I’m always with Peter Obi until he decides not to,” he affirmed.
Baba-Ahmed ran alongside Obi in the 2023 presidential election, which was won by President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress.
