Author: Gabby

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.”

The recent political alignment between Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, which saw them join the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has sparked a wide range of reactions across Northern Nigeria. While some view it as a promising coalition that could challenge the ruling APC, others remain skeptical about its potential to secure broad support in the region.

On Sunday, both leaders officially received their membership cards from NDC national chairman Cleopas Moses Zuwoghe at the party’s secretariat in Abuja. Kwankwaso explained that their decision came after extensive consultations, revealing a strong ideological match with the NDC. Obi emphasized the party’s commitment to rebuilding Nigeria and restoring public trust in governance, urging members to avoid legal disputes that could derail their efforts.

The Kwankwasiyya movement, through its spokesperson Habeeb Saleh Mohammed, stated that the NDC represents a safer platform for the 2027 elections, free from the internal crises and legal battles plaguing their former party, the ADC. Mohammed noted that the ADC’s multiple court cases and threats of deregistration made it an unstable choice. He also highlighted the potential of an Obi-Kwankwaso ticket to promote national unity, as it would balance regional interests and focus on competence rather than ethnicity.

However, public affairs analyst Mahdi Shehu expressed caution, warning that the frequent party changes by Obi and Kwankwaso could be seen as overconfidence. He argued that the political landscape has shifted since 2023, and that without genuine unity among opposition leaders, their efforts might fail. Shehu suggested that one faction could even strike a deal with the APC, leaving Obi and Kwankwaso politically isolated.

Northern residents offered mixed views. Lukman Shuaibu from Kano declared unwavering support for Kwankwaso, citing his grassroots appeal. Naziru Dalhatu praised the joint ticket as a symbol of national unity and predicted it would defeat the current government given widespread dissatisfaction. Conversely, Muhammad Rabiu Musa from Jigawa questioned the alliance’s credibility, arguing it lacks a clear policy blueprint and is driven by personal ambition rather than public interest. He also noted that religious and ethnic factors in the core north could hinder an Igbo presidency.

As the 2027 elections approach, the success of the Obi-Kwankwaso coalition in the north remains uncertain. The Kwankwasiyya movement believes the APC will be too preoccupied with its own internal processes to disrupt the NDC, but critics remain unconvinced. The coming months will reveal whether this alliance can overcome regional divisions and present a viable alternative to the ruling party.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has dismissed suggestions that Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso left the party on impulse, arguing instead that their departure was carefully orchestrated. Bolaji Abdullahi, the party’s spokesperson, made this assertion during an appearance on Arise News Prime Time, emphasizing that the ADC remains a well-structured organization with a clear vision.

Abdullahi criticized certain politicians for leveraging the party to advance personal agendas rather than collective goals. He stated that despite relentless attacks from the government, the ADC has stood firm, fighting back and staying committed to its mission of rescuing Nigerians from poor governance.

He questioned Obi’s sudden change of heart, referencing a previous remark by the former presidential candidate. At a coalition meeting, Obi had warned that fielding two candidates against Bola Ahmed Tinubu would hand him victory in 2027. Abdullahi wondered what had altered Obi’s perspective since then.

The spokesperson rejected claims that legal battles forced the duo out, describing the party’s court issues as minor and insufficient to justify such a drastic step. He highlighted that Obi was given unprecedented privileges within the ADC, including the authority to appoint the National Organising Secretary—a pivotal role overseeing congresses and elections.

According to Abdullahi, Obi never voiced any grievances about unfair treatment while he was a member. He noted that Obi took nearly a year to join the party, attended coalition meetings consistently, and only agreed to join after the ticket was zoned. The spokesperson compared the exit to a spouse manufacturing excuses to leave a marriage, saying, “When a woman wants to leave a marriage, she gives all kinds of reasons, including being suffocated by too much love.”

Abdullahi further alleged that the move was premeditated, pointing to a meeting in Kano involving Obi, Kwankwaso, and Seriake Dickson. After that meeting, he contacted Dickson to inquire about developments. Kwankwaso had been considering joining the ADC, but things changed abruptly, raising suspicions about efforts to split the opposition and benefit the ruling party.

Ambassador Olufemi Oguntoyinbo, a prominent figure within the Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, has issued a strong call to action for the newly formed National Caretaker Committee. He specifically addressed Chairman Tanimu Turaki, National Secretary Taofeek Arapaja, and other committee members, urging them to prioritize alleviating the severe difficulties faced by Nigerians under the current administration.

In a statement released in Ibadan, Oguntoyinbo emphasized that the committee must build upon the newfound unity within the party following the recent Supreme Court ruling. He stressed that the PDP is the only truly national party capable of challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress.

Oguntoyinbo reminded the caretaker leadership that their task is monumental and requires divine guidance. He expressed confidence that with concerted effort, the party can secure victory in the upcoming elections. “We must do everything possible to ensure our party triumphs next year,” he stated.

Highlighting the plight of millions of citizens, Oguntoyinbo declared, “PDP is the sole national party in this country, and we cannot afford to let down the countless Nigerians who depend on us to free them from the unprecedented suffering inflicted by the APC.” He called on the committee to act swiftly and decisively to restore hope and prosperity.

In a candid assessment of Nigeria’s shifting political landscape, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, who served as the Labour Party’s vice-presidential candidate in 2023, has voiced skepticism over whether the northern region would ever fully embrace a joint ticket comprising Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso. He argued that historical voting behavior and entrenched regional loyalties make such an alliance improbable.

During a recent interview, Datti explained that he refrains from naming specific politicians in his commentary, yet he emphasized that northern voters are unlikely to coalesce around what he termed the ‘OK’ pairing. He made clear that his doubts stem from an understanding of regional dynamics, not from personal animosity toward either leader.

Reflecting on a January 2024 meeting with Obi at John Wilson Hotel, Datti disclosed that he advised the former Anambra governor to reach out to influential northern figures like Kwankwaso and Nasir El-Rufai. He stressed that political foresight extending beyond immediate electoral cycles is essential for success. ‘If in 2024 you cannot plan for 2027, then I cannot continue to be with you,’ he recalled telling Obi.

Datti also questioned the logic behind shifting alliances, noting that some political actors who rejected coalition opportunities in 2022 are now seeking partnerships. He posed the rhetorical question, ‘What changed between 2022 and 2023?’ suggesting that inconsistency undermines trust and electoral viability.

He highlighted a critical paradox in the opposition’s push for new leadership: while there is a call for youthful, fresh faces, some proposed vice-presidential candidates are actually older and more experienced than their running mates. ‘You are looking for new blood, a new generation, yet you may have a vice-presidential figure who is older in age, education, political profile, and experience,’ he said.

Turning to Kwankwaso’s political stature, Datti noted the former Kano governor’s deep roots in his region. ‘The local government is almost his state, the state is almost his region. And this is someone with strong ambition and temperament, who, then, will actually be the president?’ he asked. This, he argued, could create internal power struggles that undermine any joint ticket.

Datti concluded by emphasizing that consistent party structures and long-term strategic planning remain crucial for any opposition success. While collaboration is theoretically possible, he warned that internal contradictions and demographic realities could derail even the most promising alliances.

Dr. Adefolaseye Adebayo, the South West Coordinator of the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement (OK Movement), has announced that approximately 10 million Nigerians registered with the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) within a single day following former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi’s decision to join the party.

According to reports, Obi and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso departed from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Sunday to align with the NDC ahead of the forthcoming general elections. This move has sparked debate, with some critics suggesting that Obi’s presidential ambitions are diminishing.

In response to these criticisms during an interview on Arise TV on Monday, Adebayo refuted the claims, emphasizing that Obi’s widespread support spans all six geopolitical zones of the country. She asserted that the focus should be on Obi’s character and competence rather than the political party he represents.

Adebayo stated: “Peter Obi commands a massive following across Nigeria. It is inaccurate to suggest that his chances or those of the South East have been significantly weakened. Within 24 hours of Obi leaving the ADC, 10 million Nigerians enrolled as members of the NDC, which speaks volumes about his influence.”