POLITICS
I Joined Peter Obi Out of Sympathy After Three Top Politicians Rejected Him – Datti Baba-Ahmed
Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, vice-presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, says he joined forces with Peter Obi out of sympathy.
Baba-Ahmed spoke during an interview with media outlet Symfoni.
He said Obi had approached three prominent politicians ahead of the 2023 election, but none agreed to run with him.
According to him, his decision to become Obi’s running mate was driven by sympathy for the ex-Anambra governor and the country’s political situation at the time.
“People don’t understand that between me and Obi, there is a great deal of sympathy. I have sympathy for him. And this sympathy was at the core of our relationship,” he said.
“When he approached three other major politicians in 2022, I would have been glad if one of them had gone with Peter Obi in 2022. But they all avoided him. I felt bad for him and I felt bad for Nigeria as a nation.”
Baba-Ahmed said he voluntarily stepped in because he believed it was in the country’s best interest to do so.
“I took it upon myself because naturally I have always been a volunteer. For the sake of Nigeria, I extended that sympathy to him,” he said.
On March 7, Obi formally joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC) months after announcing his intention to align with the opposition coalition.
However, on May 3, Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, former governor of Kano, quit the ADC for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), citing “uncertainties” over the party’s future.
Before leaving LP, Obi fell out with Julius Abure, factional chairman of the party, over alleged irreconcilable differences.
Baba-Ahmed faulted Obi’s decision to leave the party amid its leadership crisis, arguing that political challenges exist across parties and should be resolved rather than avoided.
“If Abure was a problem, what makes him think Nwosu or David Mark of ADC will not be a problem? What makes him think Seriake of NDC will not be a problem?” he asked.
“So it’s the same thing wherever you go. Stay here and fix the problem and let’s work together. But he decided to move.”
Baba-Ahmed added that his political identity is independent of Obi’s, saying their alliance in 2022 did not amount to political ownership.
“With due respect, he does not own my politics; he doesn’t own me. I am independent,” he said.
Baba-Ahmed has since pitched tent with the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) after announcing his exit from the LP
The Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed claims by Prince Paul Ikonne that he emerged as the party’s candidate for the Abia South Senatorial District ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing the assertion as false and misleading.
In a statement signed by the state chairman of the party, Hon. Chijioke Chukwu, the APC said the senatorial primary election for Abia South was duly conducted on May 18, 2026, across the district’s 65 wards in accordance with the party’s constitution and electoral guidelines.
According to the party, results announced by the Chairman of the National Assembly Primary Election Committee, Prof. Erasmus Cishak, showed that Hon. Erondu Uchenna Erondu (Jnr.) secured 15,982 votes to emerge winner of the contest.
Other contestants, according to the results released by the committee, included Hon. Dr. Blessing Nwagba, who polled 4,556 votes; Prince Paul Ikonne, who scored 4,322 votes; and Nyerere Chinenye Anyim, who garnered 4,022 votes.
The party stated that following the conclusion of the primary election, Erondu was officially declared winner and issued a Declaration of Result Form by the committee chairman.
The APC maintained that the outcome of the primary election remains valid, lawful and binding, stressing that the mandate given to Erondu by party members across the senatorial district would be respected and upheld by the party’s National Working Committee.
The party further urged Ikonne and his supporters to refrain from spreading what it described as misinformation capable of causing confusion and disaffection within its ranks.
Reaffirming its commitment to internal democracy and party discipline, the APC called on members and stakeholders to unite behind the party’s candidate as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.
the A-Class Park and Event Centre in Wuse 2, preventing a planned convention by Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to ratify former President Goodluck Jonathan as its presidential candidate.
Police officers completely barricaded the venue and sealed off major access roads leading to the centre from the Wuse and Maitama axes, leaving delegates and other attendees unable to gain entry.
The event was being organised by a PDP faction loyal to Tanimu Turaki. The blockade comes amid heightened tensions within the party.
Sources within the PDP faction had earlier alleged that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, threatened to shut down the venue and allegedly pressured the proprietors of the facility to deny the faction access.
As of the time of filing this report, the police are maintaining a heavy presence around the area, and it remains unclear whether the ratification convention will proceed or be rescheduled.
Aisha Yesufu, activist and ally of Peter Obi, has withdrawn from the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) senate race for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
On May 6, Yesufu declared interest in the 2027 FCT senatorial race after joining the NDC from the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
She said her decision was informed by the leadership experience she garnered in the ADC.
However, in recent days, there have been speculations that the party has ceded the FCT senate ticket to Amanda Pam, another aspirant who had been in the party before Yesufu joined.
In a statement on Friday, Yesufu said the party would not be conducting primaries for the FCT senate seat, effectively ending her ambition for the position.
“Our party has decided not to conduct primaries for the Senatorial seat in FCT Abuja. It however intends to conduct primaries for House of Representatives! Go ahead and make your choice known!” she said.
She urged her supporters to remain calm and to focus on the broader political objective ahead of the 2027 general election.
“I urge each and everyone of you to remain calm and focus on the bigger picture which is the presidential election. Nigeria will be OK!” she said.
“I appreciate all your support, dedication and commitment towards #AishaForSenate project.”
She added that she would continue engaging residents across the FCT.
“In the coming week I will be returning back to all the 6 Area Councils God willing to appreciate them for the warm welcome and continue to forge ahead for a #BetterFCT.”
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