- Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed urged Peter Obi to return to the Labour Party if he missed the ADC presidential ticket
- He pledged to support Obi’s candidacy and help secure the party’s nomination
- He indicated willingness to reconcile Obi with any aggrieved Labour Party members
Former vice-presidential candidate of the Labour Party Nigeria, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has publicly urged his former running mate, Peter Obi, to consider returning to the party should he fail to secure the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during an interview on Trust TV, Baba-Ahmed reaffirmed his respect and loyalty to Obi, emphasising that the Labour Party remained a viable political platform for his ambitions. His remarks come amid growing speculation about Obi’s potential political alignment and the likelihood of him contesting under a different party in the next electoral cycle.
“I have much respect for Peter Obi. If he doesn’t get the ADC ticket, he should come back to the Labour Party, please,” Baba-Ahmed said. He further pledged his support, stating that he would actively work to secure Obi the Labour Party’s presidential nomination if he returned.
Baba-Ahmed also hinted at internal party reconciliation efforts, suggesting that he would attempt to repair any strained relationships Obi may have within the party. “I will try and mend the ways between him and whoever he may have offended,” he added, signalling a willingness to unify party stakeholders ahead of a crucial election period.
The statement underscores ongoing political realignments as Nigeria’s opposition figures begin positioning themselves for the 2027 general elections. Obi, who contested the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party, garnered significant support, particularly among younger voters and urban populations, marking a notable shift in the country’s political landscape.
Baba-Ahmed’s appeal reflects both a strategic calculation and a personal endorsement, reinforcing the enduring political partnership between the two men. As discussions intensify around party platforms and candidacies, the coming months are expected to shape the trajectory of opposition politics in Nigeria.