Datti Baba-Ahmed, the former vice presidential candidate of the Labour Party in Nigeria's 2023 general elections, has disclosed that he accepted the running mate slot out of sympathy for the country and for Peter Obi, rather than due to ideological alignment. He made this revelation during an interview on Symfoni, a media outlet, in a video circulating on Wednesday, June 3.
Baba-Ahmed Reveals Rejections Before His Acceptance
Baba-Ahmed stated that Obi had approached three influential politicians who declined to be his running mate ahead of the presidential election. He said he felt compassion for Obi and Nigeria, which prompted him to step in as a volunteer for the sake of the nation.
Fallout Between Obi and Baba-Ahmed
The former vice presidential candidate fell out with Obi after the latter left the Labour Party to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in pursuit of his presidential ambition. Obi later moved to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), where he emerged as the sole presidential aspirant and was selected as its candidate for the 2027 election.
Public Reactions to Baba-Ahmed's Comments
Baba-Ahmed's outburst has generated mixed reactions from Nigerians. Some expressed disappointment, while others criticized his political track record.
Jimmy X expressed disappointment, stating, "It's becoming very disappointing at this point. Can't be making excuses for him anymore, even though it's clear APC is threatening him and his businesses."
Gracious Oboh remarked that Baba-Ahmed was not a strong politician, saying, "A vice presidential candidate who could not deliver his polling unit, ward, local government, and state should be careful when speaking about political choices. His political career is struggling, and trying to discredit Peter Obi will not revive it."
Darlwright77 criticized the former vice presidential candidate, comparing him to "someone else's girlfriend who goes behind his back, telling other ladies how sexually poor he is in bed, but in secret, she's praying for him to return to her because she misses his fiery agility."
Quntax commented, "It is really shameful and sad to see a man we considered a noble and decent politician despise and denigrate his former principal in a derogatory manner like this publicly. Even Peter Obi, despite his disassociation with Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, still speaks of him with much cordiality and respect. I believe 2027 will afford Datti the opportunity to showcase his electoral value for all to see."
Wike Also Criticizes Peter Obi
In related news, Nyesom Wike, the FCT Minister, knocked Peter Obi for lacking courage as a politician. Wike, a two-term governor of Rivers State, explained in an interview on Monday, June 1, that leadership involves confronting and fixing problems. His comments were a reaction to Obi's political trajectory from APGA to PDP, Labour Party, ADC, and now NDC.
