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Tag: Datti Baba-Ahmed

  • Datti Baba-Ahmed Says He Joined Peter Obi in 2023 Out of Sympathy After Failed Alliances

    Former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed has revealed that his decision to run alongside Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election was partly driven by sympathy, following what he described as failed alliance attempts by the former presidential candidate.

    Baba-Ahmed made the disclosure during an interview on Symfoni, where he spoke about the political dynamics that shaped the Labour Party’s 2023 ticket.

    Failed Political Alliances

    According to him, Peter Obi approached three influential politicians in 2022 in an attempt to build broader support ahead of the election, but the efforts did not succeed.

    He said the situation influenced his personal decision to step in as Obi’s running mate, describing it as a response shaped by both sympathy and concern for the country’s political direction.

    Baba-Ahmed, however, declined to disclose the identities of the politicians involved or the reasons they reportedly turned down the offer.

    Clarifies Political Independence

    The former senator also dismissed suggestions that he is politically tied to Obi or obligated to follow him into any future political arrangement, including any emerging coalition platforms.

    He stressed that his decision in 2023 was personal and based on his interpretation of Nigeria’s political situation at the time.

    Baba-Ahmed added that while he worked with Obi during the election, he remains an independent political actor with no binding political obligation to the former Anambra governor.

    The comments add a new layer to ongoing discussions around the 2023 Labour Party presidential campaign and internal dynamics within Nigeria’s opposition politics.

  • Datti Baba-Ahmed Criticises Tinubu Government, Says Islam Facing ‘Reputational Damage’

    Former vice-presidential candidate Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed has criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu, claiming that Islam is facing reputational damage under the current leadership.

    He made the remarks on Monday at a political event organised by the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) in Abuja.

    Datti raises concerns over leadership

    Baba-Ahmed said his comments were not aimed at religion but at leadership and representation.

    “It’s not easy for me to say this… but it must be said,” he stated while addressing attendees.

    He argued that leadership under the current administration has negatively shaped global perceptions.

    References global examples

    The former vice-presidential candidate compared Nigeria’s situation with countries previously led by Muslim leaders.

    He cited figures such as Muammar Gaddafi and Saddam Hussein, noting that despite human rights concerns, they recorded measurable development outcomes.

    “All over the world, where Muslims have ruled or are ruling, there is peace and tranquillity, and there is justice,” he said.

    Clarifies stance on religion

    Baba-Ahmed stressed that his position was not about promoting religion but about accountability in governance.

    He said leadership should reflect genuine values, whether Christian or Muslim.

    “If you are bringing a Christian, we want a genuine Christian. If you are bringing a Muslim, we want a genuine Muslim,” he added.

    Remarks stir debate

    The comments have begun generating reactions, with observers interpreting them within the broader political discourse ahead of the 2027 elections.

    His remarks add to ongoing conversations around governance, leadership credibility, and public perception in Nigeria’s political space.

  • Datti Baba-Ahmed Questions Obi’s Readiness for 2027, Criticises Exit from Labour Party

    Former vice-presidential candidate Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed has raised concerns about Peter Obi’s political direction ahead of the 2027 presidential election, questioning his readiness for the challenges ahead.

    The comments come amid recent political realignments involving key opposition figures.

    Datti faults Obi’s party exit

    Speaking in an interview shared online, Baba-Ahmed criticised Obi’s decision to leave the Labour Party.

    He said Obi should have remained to address internal challenges rather than walk away.

    “As much as I dislike what the APC has done against Nigerians, someone who got the Labour Party’s ticket so easily should have stayed to fix the problem,” he said.

    Questions over leadership approach

    Baba-Ahmed also questioned Obi’s approach to political disputes, suggesting it may not reflect the resilience required for national leadership.

    “My former leader saying that wherever there is a quarrel, he will walk away? If there is a quarrel in Nigeria, will he walk away?” he asked.

    “If you are not ready to fight, stay in your house,” he added.

    Doubts over alliance strength

    The former lawmaker further expressed reservations about a potential alliance involving Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

    He suggested that such a ticket could struggle to gain traction in northern Nigeria.

    The remarks follow reports of both politicians moving from the African Democratic Congress to the Nigeria Democratic Congress.

    Growing political tension

    The development highlights ongoing shifts within the opposition as parties reposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Analysts say such internal criticisms could shape discussions around coalition building and candidate selection in the coming months.