Datti Baba-Ahmed Questions Peter Obi’s Political Strategy, Urges Stronger Party Commitment Ahead of 2027

ABUJA, Nigeria: Former vice-presidential candidate Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed has openly criticised the political approach of his former running mate, Peter Obi, raising concerns about leadership style, party loyalty, and preparedness for the demands of national governance ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Baba-Ahmed’s remarks come amid intensifying political realignments and coalition-building efforts across Nigeria’s opposition landscape. Speaking during a recent engagement, the former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate suggested that Obi’s tendency to disengage from internal party disputes could undermine confidence in his leadership capacity.

According to him, political leadership requires resilience and a willingness to confront crises directly rather than withdraw from them. He argued that Obi, having benefited from what he described as a relatively smooth emergence as the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, owed the party a duty to remain and help stabilise it during periods of internal conflict.

“My former leader says that wherever there is a quarrel, he will walk away. If there is a quarrel in a country, will he also walk away?” Baba-Ahmed asked rhetorically. “Leadership demands courage. If you are not ready to engage and resolve issues, then you should reconsider the responsibility.”

The comments represent one of the clearest public divergences between the two politicians since their joint ticket in the 2023 election, when they campaigned on a reform-oriented platform that attracted significant youth support and reshaped opposition politics in Nigeria.

Following the 2023 elections, internal disagreements and leadership disputes emerged within the Labour Party, creating uncertainty over its direction. In 2025, Obi exited the party, a move that drew mixed reactions from supporters and political observers. While some viewed the departure as strategic, others saw it as a missed opportunity to consolidate and reform the party from within.

After leaving the Labour Party, Obi briefly aligned with the African Democratic Congress as part of broader coalition discussions. He later became associated with the National Democratic Coalition, one of several emerging platforms seeking to unify opposition forces ahead of 2027.

Baba-Ahmed’s critique appears to reflect broader concerns within opposition circles about consistency, ideological clarity, and long-term commitment—factors widely regarded as crucial to mounting a credible challenge against the ruling All Progressives Congress.

In a separate interview, Baba-Ahmed also commented on ongoing speculation about potential alliances, particularly the prospect of a joint ticket involving Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. He expressed skepticism about such a pairing, arguing that Kwankwaso possesses greater political experience, academic credentials, and administrative exposure.

“Kwankwaso is older, more experienced, and has deeper political roots,” Baba-Ahmed noted, adding that any discussion of a joint ticket would need to carefully consider hierarchy, competence, and electoral viability.

The evolving dynamics between key opposition figures highlight the complexities of coalition-building in Nigeria’s political landscape. Analysts note that while alliances may be necessary to challenge the dominance of the ruling party, internal disagreements and leadership rivalries could weaken collective efforts if not effectively managed.

As the 2027 election cycle approaches, the relationship between former allies like Baba-Ahmed and Obi—and their ability to reconcile differences—may prove critical in shaping the strength and direction of Nigeria’s opposition movement.