Former Labour Party (LP) vice-presidential candidate, Dr. Datti Baba-Ahmed, has dismissed the opposition coalition floated on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), saying its promoters are deceiving Nigerians with false claims of being able to rescue the country.
Baba-Ahmed, who was Peter Obi’s running mate in the 2023 presidential election, made the remarks while speaking on television.
“They are deceiving us,” he said, faulting the coalition that parades prominent political figures including former Senate President David Mark, ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Kaduna State governor Nasir el-Rufai, former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi and ex-Osun governor Rauf Aregbesola.
While Obi has openly signalled interest in contesting the 2027 presidential election and has been seen identifying with members of the coalition, Baba-Ahmed said he preferred the former Anambra governor to remain in the Labour Party and fly its flag.
“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 said.
Asked if he would again serve as Obi’s running mate, Baba-Ahmed replied: “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 the group and individuals that are like-minded to restore Nigeria.”
According to him, there are only two individuals he would 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 said.
Baba-Ahmed and Obi contested the 2023 election on the Labour Party ticket, coming third behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
