Former vice-presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has criticised Peter Obi’s decision to leave the party amid its internal challenges, saying it does not reflect strong leadership.
Baba-Ahmed, who served as Obi’s running mate in the last general election, also questioned the possibility of northern voters backing any political alliance between Obi and former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso ahead of 2027.
He spoke on Monday after formally joining the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), noting that his comments were personal and that he still maintains respect for both political figures.
According to him, he had previously advised Obi to build bridges with key opposition figures as part of preparations for future elections, including Kwankwaso and others.
“I did say that I feel guilty because I was the one who told Peter Obi… I told him, ‘Your Excellency, from this point there is Kwankwaso, there is el-Rufai, and there’s another person. I would like to suggest you approach them.’”
He also questioned the timing and consistency of political alliances, asking why some key figures did not support Obi during the 2023 elections.
“Why didn’t Kwankwaso support Peter Obi in 2022/23? What changed between 2022 and 23?”
On leadership and alliances, Baba-Ahmed expressed concern over political structure and direction, adding that unclear power dynamics could create conflict.
“You have a vice-president that is older than you in age, education, political profile, and many other things. Who is going to be the president, actually?”
Reacting to Obi’s exit from the Labour Party, he argued that the former Anambra governor should have stayed back to resolve internal issues rather than walk away.
“A leader must be firm… If you’re not ready to fight, don’t even come out; stay in your house. You are going into politics, which is a contact sport.”
