In a recent interview published on X Monday, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, who served as the Labour Party’s vice-presidential candidate alongside Peter Obi in the 2023 elections, openly expressed his discontent with Obi’s recent political maneuvers. Baba-Ahmed advised Obi to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race if he lacks the willingness to engage in political combat.
Baba-Ahmed criticized Obi’s departure from the Labour Party, suggesting that he should have remained to tackle internal challenges within the opposition. He argued that fleeing from party issues is not a sign of leadership, especially when the nation itself faces turmoil. “If you run from a fight within your party, what will you do when the country is in crisis?” Baba-Ahmed questioned.
The former running mate also cast doubt on the viability of a potential alliance between Peter Obi and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, stating that northern voters may not support such a ticket. He remarked, “The north will not rally behind this merge as many assume.”
Baba-Ahmed’s comments come after reports that Obi and Kwankwaso have moved to the Nigerian Democratic Congress from the African Democratic Congress. It was previously reported that Obi had left the Labour Party, where he contested the 2023 election with Baba-Ahmed.
In his concluding remarks, Baba-Ahmed did not hold back: “My former leader (Peter Obi) claims he walks away from quarrels. But Nigeria is in a huge quarrel. Will he walk away from that too? If you are not prepared to fight, then stay in your house.”