Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, the 2023 Labour Party (LP) vice-presidential candidate, has expressed skepticism about Peter Obi's prospects of winning the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential nomination for 2027, pointing to competing ambitions and entrenched political interests within the party.
In a recent interview on Trust TV, Baba-Ahmed explained his decision to remain in the LP despite Obi's defection to the ADC on December 31, 2025.
He emphasized that Obi never invited him to join the new party and described most ADC leaders aside from Obi, as former architects of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), whom he accused of contributing to Nigeria's current challenges.
"Almost everyone in the ADC today, except Peter Obi, are people who helped establish the APC that is misruling Nigeria," Baba-Ahmed said.
He highlighted figures like Atiku Abubakar and Rotimi Amaechi, noting their strong personal ambitions.
Referencing Atiku's recent statement that he would not step down for anyone, Baba-Ahmed argued that lingering resentments from the 2023 election where Obi's LP candidacy is seen by some as splitting opposition votes could hinder Obi's path to the ticket.
He predicted it is "very unlikely" Obi will secure the nomination, citing the absence of unifying figures like Muhammadu Buhari or Bola Tinubu from the APC's formative years.
"Do you think they have forgotten?" he asked, referring to perceptions that Obi thwarted Atiku's long-held presidential dreams in 2023.
Despite the doubts, Baba-Ahmed affirmed his personal respect for Obi, noting their relationship remains strong Obi recently attended a wedding at his home.
If Obi fails to get the ADC ticket and chooses to return, Baba-Ahmed pledged to support him fully and work to secure the LP nomination for him.
Baba-Ahmed rejected suggestions that his political relevance depends on Obi, pointing to his own electoral successes predating their partnership.
"I did well before I met Peter Obi. I have never lost an election in my life," he said, dismissing critics who view the LP as diminished without its 2023 flagbearer.
He remained optimistic about opposition chances in 2027, insisting that if institutions like INEC, the DSS, and police refrain from aiding rigging, the APC could be defeated decisively regardless of the candidate.
Baba-Ahmed also downplayed internal party crises, noting that no Nigerian party is problem-free, and vowed to continue reconciliation efforts within the LP to stabilize it as a platform for national unity.
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