Former Labour Party (LP) vice-presidential candidate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has reaffirmed his enduring personal and political relationship with Peter Obi, the party’s presidential flagbearer in the 2023 general election, despite Obi’s recent defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Speaking during an interview on Trust TV, Baba-Ahmed dispelled widespread speculation that Obi’s move to the ADC had strained their relationship. He clarified that while Obi did not invite him to join the ADC, there was no bad blood between them, stressing that their bond remains strong and respectful.
According to Baba-Ahmed, Obi’s decision not to extend an invitation was not unexpected, given his own well-known political stance and principles. He emphasized that their personal relationship has remained intact, pointing out that Obi recently attended a family wedding at his residence as evidence of their continued closeness.
The former senator also made it clear that his support for Obi remains unwavering. He stated that if Obi fails to secure the ADC’s presidential ticket and chooses to return to the Labour Party, he would once again throw his full weight behind him. Baba-Ahmed added that he would actively work to help Obi reclaim the LP presidential ticket and would also seek to reconcile Obi with any party stakeholders he may have fallen out with.
Reflecting on the 2023 election, Baba-Ahmed maintained that his support for Obi was driven by deep conviction rather than political expediency. He explained that, at the time, backing Obi’s presidential ambition aligned with his principles and his belief in what he considered the right direction for the country.
Addressing broader national politics and the debate around zoning, Baba-Ahmed argued that the North should not be excluded from contesting the presidency in 2027. He noted that discussions around power rotation did not originate from the North, asserting that a northern candidate has a legitimate right to seek the nation’s highest office in the next election cycle.
Overall, Baba-Ahmed’s remarks underscore his continued loyalty to Peter Obi while reaffirming his broader views on national unity, political fairness, and regional inclusion in Nigeria’s democratic process.
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