Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, former vice-presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has cast doubt on Peter Obi’s chances of clinching the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing entrenched interests and unresolved ambitions within the emerging coalition. In this interview, Datti explains why he chose to remain in the LP despite Obi’s exit, insists that Obi never invited him to join the ADC, and says the former Anambra State governor is free to return to the Labour Party if denied the ADC ticket. He also dismisses claims that his political relevance or survival is tied to Obi, arguing that his career predates and transcends any single political figure.
Critics argue that Peter Obi was the Labour Party’s major asset in 2023 and that without him the party is no longer relevant.
Don’t drag me into those kinds of arguments, only to later accuse me of talking about individuals. What you are repeating is the standard narrative from social media and the airwaves. In this day and age, those narratives are often not accurate.
For instance, I clearly announced that it is not yet time for me to declare any ambition. It was in writing. Yet people still claimed I had declared my intention to contest the presidency. That is not true.
Last week, the former presidential candidate left our party. The only reason I am here today is to tell the world that I remain in the Labour Party. I am not convinced by the arguments advanced for leaving the party.
Labour Party existed before Peter Obi. It produced governors before him. Yes, Peter Obi came with massive South East support, North Central backing and Christian support in the North. That mattered. But in life, you benefit from the efforts of others, just as others benefit from yours. If you join a party tomorrow, at the very least, you bring along your immediate supporters.
Are you and Peter Obi still on the same page? Are you communicating, and did he invite you to join him in the ADC?
Peter Obi did not invite me to join him in the ADC. People know me; there are certain things you would rather not approach me with. Our personal relationship remains solid. On the 12th, he attended a wedding in my house, in person.I have immense respect for Peter Obi. If he does not get the ADC ticket and decides to return, I will work for him and try to secure the Labour Party ticket for him. I will also try to mend fences between him and anyone he is not on good terms with. I supported Peter Obi’s presidential ambition with all my heart and mind because, at that time, it was the right thing to do. In 2027, a northerner can be elected. The North did not start this; the South did.
