OBI CAMP, ADC REJECT DATTI BABA-AHMED’S CRITICISM OF OPPOSITION LEADERS

The Peter Obi Media Office and the African Democratic Congress have criticised former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, over his recent comments questioning the ability of leading opposition figures to bring meaningful change to Nigeria. Baba-Ahmed, who was Obi’s running mate in the 2023 presidential election, reportedly argued that none of President Bola Tinubu’s major challengers, including Obi, could transform the country, while calling for a different generation of political leadership.

Baba-Ahmed made the remarks during an appearance on the MicOn Podcast, where he questioned the capacity of opposition politicians who have previously operated within Nigeria’s major political parties to produce a fundamentally different outcome. He argued that many of the prominent figures preparing for the 2027 election had been part of the existing political establishment and suggested that Nigerians needed leaders with a different approach to governance. His comments quickly generated reactions among supporters of Obi and other opposition figures.

The Obi Media Office rejected the assessment, with the response reportedly describing Baba-Ahmed’s comments as inconsistent with the record and political journey of the former Anambra State governor. Obi has already moved into the ADC-led opposition coalition after leaving the Labour Party, as opposition groups continue efforts to build a stronger platform ahead of the 2027 presidential election. The camp maintained that political differences should not be used to undermine the efforts of those seeking to offer Nigerians an alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress.

The ADC also joined the criticism, challenging Baba-Ahmed’s characterisation of opposition leaders and the emerging political realignment ahead of 2027. The party is currently at the centre of an opposition coalition involving prominent political figures, including Obi, and has been positioning itself as a platform capable of challenging the APC. Baba-Ahmed had previously advised Obi to engage other opposition leaders, including Rabiu Kwankwaso, ahead of the 2027 contest, but has since expressed doubts about the strength and durability of the emerging alliances.

The exchange comes as political activity intensifies ahead of the 2027 general elections, with opposition parties still working to resolve questions surrounding leadership, alliances and the choice of a presidential candidate. Baba-Ahmed has himself declared an interest in the 2027 presidency, while Obi remains one of the prominent figures associated with the opposition coalition. With the political landscape continuing to shift, the latest disagreement highlights the competing strategies and ambitions likely to shape the opposition's efforts to challenge the APC in the next presidential election.