Former Labour Party Vice-Presidential candidate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed
Former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has dismissed hopes of a united opposition front ahead of the 2027 presidential election, declaring that plans to produce a single challenger against President Bola Tinubu are unrealistic.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, Baba-Ahmed reacted sharply to the recent Ibadan Declaration, where opposition figures resolved to back one candidate to confront the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.
According to him, the coalition lacks the broad support needed to succeed.
“I think it is a lie,” he said. “There is no way they will agree; it is not possible.”
Baba-Ahmed argued that the Ibadan gathering was largely limited to members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), insisting it could not be presented as the voice of the entire opposition.
“Two parties coming together to claim they represent all opposition forces in Nigeria does not make sense to me,” he stated.
ADC Coalition “Won’t Fly”
The Kaduna-born politician further predicted that the opposition alliance under the ADC would struggle to gain momentum — even if his former running mate, Peter Obi, eventually emerges as its presidential candidate.
Asked directly if an Obi candidacy under the ADC could change the equation, Baba-Ahmed responded bluntly:
“I think it will not fly.”
Nigerians Blamed for Bad Governance
Rather than focus solely on politicians, Baba-Ahmed said ordinary Nigerians must also take responsibility for the nation’s leadership crisis, accusing many citizens of avoiding active political participation.
“We have no shortage of good people, no shortage of angels, but they keep shying away from politics,” he said.
He warned that such apathy allows poor governance to continue unchecked.
Tinubu Government Accused of Weakening Opposition
Baba-Ahmed also accused President Tinubu’s administration of prioritising the destabilisation of rival political parties instead of tackling insecurity and economic hardship.
“Today, we should be lucky to say there is even one political party still standing,” he said.
“They have succeeded in weakening opposition parties at the expense of governance, security and the economy.”
Quits Labour Party, Heads to PRP
In a major political move, Baba-Ahmed announced he is leaving the Labour Party and will officially join the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP).
He said the Labour Party has strayed from the ideals that once inspired him and blamed internal decisions that made his continued stay difficult.
“What Labour Party stood for then is no longer what it is today,” he declared.
He confirmed that his resignation would take effect at midnight on Wednesday, marking the end of his chapter with the party that carried him and Peter Obi into the 2023 presidential race.
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2026-04-28