The Labour Party’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has dismissed the newly formed opposition coalition led by the African Democratic Congress (ADC), accusing the alliance of “deceiving Nigerians” with promises to rescue the nation from underdevelopment.
“They are deceiving us,” Baba-Ahmed said during an interview on Friday.
Baba-Ahmed, who contested alongside Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election, reaffirmed his loyalty to the former Anambra governor and declared his readiness to serve as Obi’s running mate again in 2027.
He insisted that Obi should remain in the Labour Party and fly its flag in the next general election, despite Obi’s recent engagements with prominent figures in the ADC coalition, including David Mark, Atiku Abubakar, Nasir el-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola.
He said, “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.”
When asked if he would accept another vice-presidential slot in 2027, Baba-Ahmed said he was open to it but stressed that his decision would depend on the survival of Nigeria’s electoral system.
He stated,“If Nigeria is still around and there is an electoral system to follow. My love for Nigeria is undying, and I would appropriately associate the group and individuals that are like-minded to restore Nigeria.”
Baba-Ahmed further revealed there were 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.