Summary:
The political alliance between Peter Obi and Datti Baba-Ahmed has officially dissolved. While Obi transitions to the African Democratic Congress, Datti has reaffirmed his loyalty to the Labour Party, announcing his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election amidst shifting opposition dynamics.
The political synergy that defined the 2023 opposition movement has officially fractured. Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed has decoupled his political trajectory from his former principal, Peter Obi, choosing to remain within the Labour Party (LP) structure while Obi transitions to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
This significant development was confirmed at a rally held at the LP National Secretariat in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), where Baba-Ahmed not only solidified his membership but also declared his aspiration to secure the party’s ticket for the 2027 presidential elections.
A New Direction for Datti
Addressing party supporters, the former Vice Presidential candidate made it clear that his ambition is not reactionary. He emphasized that he is not merely trying to step into Peter Obi’s shoes but is pursuing a vision that predates the 2023 coalition.
“I have made myself available to contest for the office in 2027. I am not following anybody’s trajectory,” Baba-Ahmed stated. He reminded the gathering of his political history, noting, “Before His Excellency Governor Peter Obi filed for the presidency, I aspired for the presidency before him. The records are there for you to see.”
Baba-Ahmed was critical of the new coalition forming around the ADC, dismissing the alignment as a collection of “disgruntled politicians.” He maintained that his decision to stay in the LP is borne out of a desire to uphold the platform that garnered over six million votes in the previous cycle.
Constitutional Rights and National Unity
Reflecting on the sentiments of ethnicity and religion in Nigerian politics, Baba-Ahmed asserted his constitutional right to run. “Yes, I am a practicing Muslim and a Hausa man, but the Nigerian constitution allows me to contest. I am doing this because Nigeria needs help,” he argued.
He, however, noted that as a law-abiding party man, he would await the official timetable from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before launching a full-scale campaign.
Party Leadership Reacts
Julius Abure, the factional chairman of the LP, welcomed Baba-Ahmed’s declaration as a vote of confidence in the party’s future. Abure revealed that despite the high-profile exit of Obi, the party structure remains intact.
He disclosed that Abia State Governor Alex Otti has also refused to defect. “On the night Peter Obi defected, I received a call from Dr. Datti Baba-Ahmed saying he is not leaving. Governor Otti has also confirmed he remains with us,” Abure stated.
Opposition Realignment
Meanwhile, the broader opposition landscape is in a state of flux. Reports indicate that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is actively seeking reconciliation. Emmanuel Ogidi, the PDP National Vice Chairman (South-South), hinted at ongoing consultations with former leaders like Olusegun Obasanjo and Ibrahim Babangida, with plans to engage both Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi in a bid to rebuild a formidable front against the ruling party.