Datti Baba-Ahmed, the 2023 Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, has dismissed the African Democratic Congress (ADC) opposition coalition, describing it as a deception that cannot provide solutions to Nigeria’s problems.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Friday, Baba-Ahmed expressed his willingness to be Peter Obi’s running mate in the 2027 presidential election.
Baba-Ahmed criticised the ADC coalition, which included notable politicians such as Senator David Mark, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, His Excellency Nasir el-Rufai, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, and His Excellency Rauf Aregbesola, saying, “They are deceiving us.”
He noted that the group cannot rescue Nigeria from its current state of underdevelopment.
Despite Mr. Obi’s recent association with the ADC coalition, Baba-Ahmed urged him to remain in the Labour Party and contest the 2027 presidential election 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,” Baba-Ahmed emphasised.
When asked about being a running mate to a presidential candidate in 2027, 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 like-minded groups and individuals to restore Nigeria.”
He added that there were only two individuals he would consider deputising, with one being Peter Obi.
Baba-Ahmed stressed the need for a credible and competent electoral system, stating that electoral fraud was the root of Nigeria’s national crises.
“Insecurity is derived from electoral fraud. Corruption is aggravated by the kind of electoral fraud that we have,” he said.
Baba-Ahmed’s comments underscored his commitment to the Labour Party and Peter Obi, while also highlighting his concerns about the ADC coalition’s ability to effect meaningful change in Nigeria.
As the country approaches the 2027 presidential election, Baba-Ahmed’s stance may influence the political landscape and potential alliances.
He, however emphasised the need for a credible person to succeed Mahmood Yakubu as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Yakubu’s 10-year tenure would expire on November 9, 2025.
Baba-Ahmed highlighted the importance of a trustworthy individual who won’t manipulate the electoral process.
Baba-Ahmed blamed Yakubu for some irregularities that marred the 2023 presidential election, won by Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He stressed that electoral fraud is a significant contributor to Nigeria’s problems, including insecurity and corruption.
According to Baba-Ahmed, insecurity is derived from electoral fraud. The Nigerian election gave birth to the kind of insecurity we have today. Corruption is aggravated by electoral fraud.
Baba-Ahmed’s call for a credible person to succeed Yakubu as INEC chair highlighted the need for electoral reform and a trustworthy leadership to oversee future elections.
