“They Thought I Would Follow Peter Obi To ADC, But I Had Given Enough Sympathy Then -Baba-Ahmed

According to a report by Daily Post on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has explained the circumstances that led to his decision to run alongside Mr Peter Obi during the 2023 presidential election, stating that his involvement was largely driven by sympathy following developments around Obi’s search for a running mate.

He made the clarification while addressing public perceptions about his political alignment and his relationship with the former Anambra State governor.

Baba-Ahmed spoke during an interview with Symfoni, where he addressed what he described as widespread misunderstanding regarding the nature of his political support for Obi.

He said many people had misinterpreted his decision to join the Labour Party ticket, stressing that his actions were influenced by a sense of concern and support rather than long-term political alignment or obligation.

According to him, Mr Peter Obi reportedly made efforts in 2022 to bring on board three prominent political figures as potential partners for his presidential ambition, but those individuals allegedly declined to join him.

Baba-Ahmed noted that this development created a situation that shaped his own response to Obi’s candidacy, as he believed the former governor needed support at that critical stage of the election process.

He further explained that he was disappointed by the refusal of the unnamed politicians to align with Obi, adding that the outcome contributed to his decision to step in as a running mate.

However, he declined to provide any details regarding the identities of the individuals involved or the specific reasons they allegedly refused to collaborate with Obi’s campaign, maintaining that such information was not necessary for public discussion.

Baba-Ahmed also addressed speculations surrounding his future political direction, particularly suggestions that he might automatically follow Obi into other political platforms, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

He dismissed such assumptions, stating that while he supported Obi during the 2023 presidential election, his decision was voluntary and does not bind him to any future political decisions made by Obi.

He said, “They thought I would follow Peter Obi to ADC, but I had given enough sympathy then. Obi does not own me. I own my independence……See More